The Adventures of Clarissa Hardy

by Chloe Gillis

  When Clarissa arrived home that evening, Mrs. Dutton brought her tea in the sitting room, along with a letter on a silver tray. Clarissa thanked Mrs. Dutton and opened the letter as she sipped her tea. It bore a curious stamp and postmark, but no return address.

  Clarissa was thrilled to find that it was from Eleanora. Eagerly, she read:

  My dear Clarissa,

  I am writing to tell you of my latest adventures and where they have landed me! Let me say first I am indeed quite happy, at least for the moment! Since leaving you in London, I have had so many adventures, I will have to sum up most of them and get to the one I am in presently.

  I did go to Greece and was successful in exploring many of the lovely ruins built so long ago by the esteemed ancients. It is indeed a beautiful place. I threw my hat into the ring with a young archeologist and traveled with him to many of the scattered islands, including Lesbos, of which I spoke to you during our crossing together. Anthony is a postgraduate student at Cambridge and he was there collecting data for a very significant paper on the culture of ancient Greece. I assisted him in his work and, make no mistake, in his play as well! We had a wonderful time and many laughs together. I would love to send you a photograph of him, as he is simply the most delectable young man! He begged me to return with him to England, but, alas, my wanderlust was not yet satisfied, so he returned alone.

  I continued on to Egypt, and then to the Orient. I made significant acquaintances in many lands, sailing from Sumatra, through the Philippine Islands and on to Formosa. In Formosa, I made the acquaintance of a cloistered group of the most interesting women whose sole purpose it is to provide any type of entertainment for gentlemen. The mistress, if you will, of the group was incredibly intelligent and friendly, and spoke our native tongue of English very well. She taught me some of the indigenous language and then asked me to participate in the group’s activities for a while. May I tell you, my dear Clarissa, I did learn some very valuable skills from those women! Everything from lyre playing, to tea service, to bringing a gentleman to his climax by working the muscles in my cunt alone! I can honestly say I was reluctant to leave them, but the world called to me. I thanked them profusely, and finally set sail through the South Seas, stopping at last at this fantastical location from which I write.

  My dear Clarissa, it is a wonderful place. Picture an island populated by the most beautiful people in the world. It is an island jewel sparkling in the South Pacific where the air and the water are forever warm to the touch. Perhaps that is why the inhabitants are warm as well! They are indeed free with their love, which pleases me no end, as you can imagine! They lead a polygamous life, the men collecting wives throughout their lives, and all living harmoniously together. I discovered that there was one Caucasian woman actually living among them. Her name is Margaret. She hails from Oxford, where she is a professor of sociology, purportedly working on an important dissertation on the culture of these islands. However, to be frank, I doubt she will ever leave. She is married to a chieftain, a most wonderful, handsome man with large gold earloops. She is his third wife, and he has taken another since her. The family lives together in a longhouse, quite content.

  It was to this longhouse that she brought me, to be the guest of her and her husband. And, dear, you would not believe how they welcome guests to their island! It is quite marvelous! The women took charge of me and bathed me. They were most complimentary, admiring and caressing my large breasts and soft skin, smiling and murmuring and giggling together. Margaret translated part of it, saying that the women were betting as to the reaction of their husband when he at last met me. Then they gave me a most beautiful silk sarong to wear. A feast was prepared in my honor, in which the whole village took part. It was at this feast that I met Margaret’s husband, Kono. He was so beautiful a masculine specimen that my breath was quite taken from me! We partied into the night, eating and drinking a special alcoholic concoction made from coconut milk.

  Finally, I followed the women back to the longhouse and lay down in a most comfortable hammock to sleep. Well, I shall inform you, that I did not get much sleep! Just as I was nodding off, the women, including Margaret, began to stroke and pet me. They stripped the sarong from me and oiled my body with the most fragrant and soft oil. Physical feelings began to awaken in me, yet I dared not interrupt their ritual. They rubbed me from head to foot, helped me out of the hammock, and laid me down upon a thick mat of ti leaves. At that juncture, Kono came in, completely naked. He stood over me, smiling. Margaret took his cock in her hands and another wife covered it with soft licks. Margaret explained to me that the act of sex was sacred to these people, and therefore, the best gift one could bestow upon a guest. I watched with fascination as the big man’s cock grew to amazing proportions in response to the caresses it received while in Margaret’s hand.

  So caught up in the moment was I that I hardly noticed when the remaining two wives, giggling, gently opened my thighs. I was exposed to the chieftain! Margaret murmured something in the native tongue and the wives withdrew and sat around the ti leaf mat. I lay still, mesmerized.

  Kono shouted a word and then knelt facing my now wet and shiny twat. He inserted a finger and felt around, all the while smiling. Then, without further ado, flipped me over, hiked my arse in the air and entered me from behind! What a fucking I received! After the disciplined, controlled, and trained sexuality of the Formosa women, which was lovely in its own way, the utter wantonness of these island people is indeed a different pleasure! Most enjoyable!

  At this time I would like to invite you to visit me in my new home. I honestly am so content here, I may stay indefinitely. I live in a longhouse with other single girls. Kono is considering me as another wife and tries me out with increased regularity. Other men are at liberty to try me, also, as long as I agree. There is great equality between the sexes, despite the polygamous nature of their marriages. A woman is valued according to her contributions and intelligence, just like the men. Of course, I agree most of the time, and there are always the girls to play with! It is a wonderful place.

  I am including the name and location of the port that provides access to these islands. An outrigger would then transport you directly to Kono’s island and to me! You would have such fun here, Clarissa dear. Please give my invitation serious consideration. We would love to have you as our guest! At any rate, please answer my letter and post to the address shown at the bottom of this page. It will take some time to get here, but even in paradise, news of the outside world is appreciated.

  Until we meet again, with true affection, I am your friend,

  Eleanora

  Clarissa smiled fondly at the letter with its bawdy story of Eleanora’s travels. Under normal circumstances, Clarissa might have seriously considered her friend’s offer. A romp on a South Sea island was extremely tempting. However, some of Clarissa’s adventurous appetites had been dulled of late. Something was occurring in her, something unfamiliar, that gave her tummy a funny feeling and set her heart to thumping. She folded the letter and slipped it into the pocket of her middy blouse. She must remember to put it into the drawer of her bedside table with the rest of her personal correspondence when she went to bed.

  Clarissa waited in the sitting room with Mrs. Dutton.

  “You look absolutely smashing, my dear,” said the older lady, fussing with the stunning beaded and sequined headpiece that hugged Clarissa’s high forehead. Mrs. Dutton had swept her golden bob to the side and up in the back. “Simply smashing!” she said again with emphasis.

  “Oh, are you sure?” said Clarissa. “I do so want to be chic. He is the editor, you know. I must try my hardest.” Clarissa was wearing a silk and linen beaded sleeveless cocktail dress. The top was beaded ivory linen, and the skirt was just a shade lighter and adorned with glass beading, giving it a marvelous motion when she walked.

  Mrs. Dutton laughed out loud. “Oh, my dear, you are certain to be the most beautiful girl in the room. You are très chic, my dear! Mr. MacLaren wil
l see that immediately!”

  Downstairs, the bell rang. Clarissa’s eyes grew wide as she heard Dutton opening the door. She heard Adam MacLaren say, “Adam MacLaren here for Miss Clarissa Hardy.”

  “One moment,” said Dutton. “I will let her know you are arrived.”

  She heard Dutton coming up the stairs.

  “He is here!” hissed Mrs. Dutton, putting the beaded purple clutch into her hands. Mrs. Dutton kissed her on both cheeks. “Have a wonderful time, dear!”

  And, before she could collect herself fully, Clarissa found herself in the backseat of a chauffeured car, next to Adam MacLaren.

  “Thank you,” he said, “for accompanying me tonight.”

  “You are quite welcome. It is my pleasure.”

  “And thank you also,” he said in a softer voice, “for taking the time to look so absolutely stunning!”

  Clarissa blushed. “We couldn’t have the editor-in-chief showing up to an important dinner at Claridge’s with any old girl on his arm! I am glad you approve.”

  Once at Claridge’s, they were escorted to the cocktail room. Clarissa was introduced to many people whose names she had heard, but whose faces she had never seen. Then, suddenly, as she stood talking to the tall, bony and stylish wife of a member of the House of Lords, Adam was saying, “And I believe you know Miss Hardy.”

  Clarissa turned around and there stood Sir Anderson Tallman and Lady Anne Tallman, both smiling at her. Of course, the last time Clarissa had seen Sir Anderson, she was in fancy dress, complete with mask and carrying out a supremely sensitive espionage assignment for him. Immediately, she collected herself, hoping he would in no way recognize her.

  “Oh, Sir Anderson! Lady Anne! I am so very glad to see you again!”

  “And are you having fun in the city, my dear?” asked Lady Anne.

  “I am having the time of my life!” answered Clarissa, quite honestly.

  “We are so glad MacLaren was able to lure you here,” chuckled Sir Anderson. “He has outclassed himself, I am sure!” They all laughed as the bell rang announcing that dinner was about to be served. “And two others you may know,” added Sir Anderson.

  Clarissa turned. There were the Duttons, smiling fondly at her.

  “Don’t be surprised, darling,” whispered Mrs. Dutton in her ear as she planted a kiss on Clarissa’s cheek. “There is more to us than meets the eye!”

  Clarissa had to agree with that as they filed into the dining room. As there were only about fifty or sixty people present, the dining room was intimately set with round tables swathed in the most brilliant white linen. Polished silver flatware, candlesticks, and vases full of white flowers graced the tables, and the cut crystal sparkled in the candlelight. Clarissa was enchanted. She sat at a table between the Tallmans and across from Adam, who was flanked on either side by the annoyingly attentive wives of the MPs also present.

  The dinner passed congenially. Clarissa exchanged much eye contact with Adam, but little conversation, as they were seated across a round table from each other. At last, dessert was finished, and an aperitif was served. As Clarissa lifted the drink to her lips, she noticed via her peripheral vision Sir Anderson nodding covertly to Adam.

  Adam stood and walked to the podium that stood facing the tables.

  “May I have everybody’s attention, please?” he said. “We are here tonight, enjoying each other’s company, sipping fine wine and liquor, eating excellent food. A pleasant evening for all, I’m sure you would all agree. Yet we are here for a more important, a more urgent reason, a more humble reason, if you will. We are here to honor several individuals who have gone above and beyond in order to assist MI6 not just during the war, but even now. I would like to call Sir Anderson Tallman up to present the medals, by appointment of the Crown, to these brave individuals who have worked tirelessly and courageously behind the limelight. Sir Anderson.”

  Sir Anderson squeezed Clarissa’s hand as he rose and planted a kiss firmly on his wife’s cheek, then proceeded to the podium.

  “Thank you, Mr. MacLaren,” he said. “I shall now waste no more time in honoring these individuals, who, it must be understood, had no idea that they would be receiving these awards tonight. First, we honor Major Nigel Thackery-Johnson. Major, come forward to accept your medal from the Crown. We regret that we are unable to make public the reasons behind the awards. Suffice it to say that each selfless act may have saved the empire. Major, I honor you.”

  Major Thackery-Johnson was a small, thin man, about sixty years old. He sported a thick mustache and stood ramrod straight as Sir Anderson clasped the medal around his neck. Somewhat overwhelmed, the major thanked the Crown profusely and took his seat.

  Next, Sir Anderson called up the Honorable Jacques duPorier, Ambassador from France. Clarissa was surprised to recognize him as the Frenchman who had joined Sir Anderson and the Prussian statesman at her flat the night she took the impression of the secret key. Ambassador duPorier accepted his award with typical French aplomb, bowed, and returned to his seat.

  Sir Anderson said, “And now we give our final honor tonight. It goes to a very courageous young lady who put her reputation, her career, and indeed, her life, on the line because she saw the gravity of the situation and understood what had to be done. And although we are not at liberty to reveal the nature of her mission, suffice it to say it was successful to such a degree, it may have averted an end of the Armistice. Miss Clarissa Hardy, please allow Great Britain to bestow upon you our most highly esteemed award with affection and gratitude!”

  Clarissa sat as one stunned. She tried to breathe and could not. She tried to move and could not. She tried to speak and could not. Adam crossed the room and took her elbow. She stood and allowed herself to be led to the podium. She felt absolutely numb as Sir Anderson clasped the medal around her neck and the group applauded.

  When the applause ceased, Clarissa knew she was expected to say something, as the French ambassador, and the major had done. She cleared her throat and said, clearly and confidently, “I am not British, and that makes this honor all the more extraordinary. For that, I am most humbled. May I say simply that I am an American. Our countries have a long and storied history, indeed, a familial bond, spanning centuries. Were I called upon, I would do it all over again. Thank you all for this most marvelous accolade.”

  There was vigorous applause again. Sir Anderson conducted Clarissa back to her table.

  Feeling quite faint, she whispered to him, “Oh, Sir Anderson, did you know it was me all along?”

  “I did,” he replied. “No mere mask could disguise your intelligence or your beauty, my dear.”

  She ventured one more question. “Does anybody else know?”

  “Save the Duttons, no. Nor will they. We are most indebted to you, Miss Hardy. I asked Mr. MacLaren to bring you here, but did not tell him for what action you were receiving this award. The details of your mission will forever remain classified.”

  Clarissa felt a sudden stab to her heart. So he had been ordered by British Intelligence to bring her to the event. It had not been his choice.

  Sir Anderson pulled her chair for her. As she sat down, he whispered in her ear. “We are indeed indebted to you, my dear.” It was a supreme compliment from a most distinguished member of The House of Lords. Ordinarily, Clarissa would have been thrilled to hear it, but at this moment, she could only feel the ache in her heart. She nodded and smiled at Sir Anderson automatically as she smoothed her skirt.

  Adam gave closing remarks and returned to his place at the table. He smiled at her and tried to keep eye contact with her while the dinner ended, but Clarissa was conflicted. She avoided his eye and talked buoyantly with Lady Anne.

  In the car on the way home, Adam leaned close to her. “You seem quite subdued, Clarissa. And after an honor such as was bestowed upon you this evening, it seems you should be feeling rather grand.”

  Clarissa hit it head on, as was her wont. She looked directly at him, and fighting the power behind
his large blue eyes to reduce her to a trembling ingénue, she said, “It was not your idea to ask me. You were ordered to do so. You would not have thought of me at all, had the word not come down from Sir Anderson. I should not have expected anything else. It’s just that-that I—” and here Clarissa’s resolve faltered. She looked down at her gloved hands and fussed with the clasp of her clutch. She felt irritated and disappointed. She had made short work of a high school principal, an amorous young adventurer, and a spy. Why was she having such a devil of a time with a newspaper editor?

  Adam let out a sigh. He reached over to take Clarissa’s hand and held it in both of his. They were warm and comforting. Inwardly, Clarissa felt her resolve evaporating. It was no good. She had met her match and she was at a loss as to how to proceed.

  “Clarissa, while it is true that Sir Anderson asked me to escort you to the ceremony, it is also true that I was most willing and eager to do so. If I may be candid, I have thought about you every day since our little soiree the other evening. No, I retract that statement! I have thought about you ever since I first set eyes on you and lit your cigarette at the wedding! So many times it pained me when I realized my attraction to you and that I might never see you again.”

  Clarissa’s heart was rapidly mending itself from the aforementioned stabs. She lifted her eyes and met his. She smiled. “I should not speak so frankly, Adam, but I have thought of you often since that day also. I am glad to be here with you, no matter the circumstance that brought it to pass!”

  The rest of the ride home was a dream. Clarissa’s heart, fully recovered, soared. Adam did not let go of her hand.

  Just before the car turned up the street where she lived, Adam said, “I think I shall not be enjoying the time we are apart. Would you come out to dinner with me tomorrow night? Can you put up with me two nights running?”

  Clarissa laughed out loud. “I would be most happy to go to dinner with you!”

  The car stopped in front of the townhouse. The driver opened the door, and they disembarked. Adam walked with her up the sweeping steps to the front door. Without a word, in the glowing light of the streetlamp, he took her by the shoulders and turned her to face him. Clarissa stood transfixed as he lifted her pert little chin and lowered his face to hers. He kissed her on the lips. Clarissa thought she might swoon. His lips were soft and tender and warm. She awakened to the secret urgency in him, kissing him back.