"Duncan, how delightful to see you again." An elegant middle-aged woman wearing a black and white Chanel suit, sparkling diamonds on her fingers, and a stunning chunk of sculptured gold around her neck, stepped up to meet them. "When Penelope told me you were bringing a guest I made sure you were given a larger room with some very special amenities."
"You're too kind. Please allow me to introduce Brittany Carter. She's visiting all the way from South Carolina. Brittany, this is Lady Edith Collingsworth."
"Welcome," the woman said with a warm smile. "I do hope you enjoy your stay with us. Please don't feel that you need to stand on formality. Call me Edith."
"Thank you, Edith. Your home is magnificent."
"Andover has been very good to us, and we love sharing all it has to offer. Ben will show you to your room."
"This way, Sir, Madame," a young man said, stepping forward and picking up the cases as the countess gracefully glided away.
As Brittany and Duncan followed him up the wide staircase, she glanced back to the foyer. Edith was greeting more guests.
"Don't worry," Duncan said softly. "Everyone is like us. We can be who we are while we're enjoying the history and beauty of this place."
"It's hard not to be intimidated," she whispered as they were led down the hallway.
"I understand, but that will pass."
The young man opened the door to their suite, and stepping inside, she moved to the center of the room and gazed around in wonder.
"If you need anything, sir, the bell cord is by the fireplace," the footman said.
"Is afternoon tea being served in the drawing room?"
"Yes, sir, in twenty minutes."
"Thank you."
"Duncan, I am blown away," Brittany exclaimed the moment the young man left. "This place is amazing."
"Check out the bed."
Turning her eyes to the dark wood, heavily carved, four poster bed, it took her a moment before she saw the thick metal rings on all four posts.
"Oh, my goodness."
"You see this chest of drawers," he continued, standing next to a chunky, antique dresser. "Do you know why the brass plaque says Master's Chest?"
"I can guess," she said, moving across to join him.
Opening the top drawer, she saw an array of riding crops and small whips lying on red velvet. Pulling out the second, Brittany stared down at a variety of implements.
"Every dildo is sterilized and resealed for new guests," Duncan declared, opening the last one.
"I probably shouldn't ask this, but how much does it cost to stay here?"
"About the same as Claridges," he replied with a wink.
"Very funny."
"I thought so, but we should head down to the drawing room for afternoon tea. It's held for the weekend guests. If we meet people we take a liking to we can sit near them at dinner."
"This is all so..."
"So much to take in," he said softly, wrapping her in a hug. "I know."
"I'm thrilled, really, but I'm not sure about involving other people."
"You don't have to do anything you find uncomfortable, and in the clubroom you can watch for a quick five minutes, or an hour, or not at all. You'll find everyone is very respectful. The owners are strict about that. Do you want to freshen up before we go down?"
"Yes, please. Where's the bathroom?"
"I don't know. Let's explore."
There were only two doors. One led into a walk-in wardrobe, the other, a large bathroom with a claw footed tub, two sinks, a built-in vanity, and a wide shower stall with two shower heads.
"Duncan, I love those twin showers."
"I've seen them before. I think they defeat the purpose of showering together, but that doesn't mean we won't!"
"I don't think I'll ever want to leave this place."
"I felt that way the first time I came here. It's another world, and you're right. I'm always sorry when my visit comes to an end."
"I feel it already," she murmured as they returned to the bedroom. "I'll get my things and fix my face."
As she disappeared into the bathroom, he strolled to the bed and ran his fingers over the metal rings. His cock stirred, and a wicked grin curled the edges of his lips.
* * * * * * * * * *
In the drawing room a short time later, perched on the edge of a sofa cushion with Duncan sitting next to her, Brittany did her best not to rattle the porcelain cup and saucer. She was holding it in one hand as she tried to reach across the inordinately high arm of the couch and place it on the side table. Finally managing, she selected a bite-sized custard tart from a three-tiered serving dish sitting on the coffee table in front of her. The pastry melted against her tongue, and she gazed at Duncan with wide happy eyes.
"Let me guess. You want one of those every day for the rest of your life."
"Uh-huh. Absolutely! Every single day!"
Several couples began to wander in, and Brittany was relieved most were contemporaries in age, except one man who had salt and pepper hair, an odd mustache, and was with a woman who appeared barely old enough to drink.
"Duncan, everyone seems so normal," she remarked under her breath.
"What did you expect?"
"Um, I'm not sure. The guy in the tan sports coat with the girl in the black slacks, they look like I felt when I first arrived."
"We should say hello. That's one of the reasons for this get together," he said quietly, taking her hand and leading her across the room. "Former guests can meet newcomers and help them feel comfortable. They definitely need rescuing."
The couple introduced themselves as Scott and Theresa, and their nervousness was obvious.
"The first time I came here," Duncan began, "I was a third wheel with another couple. I didn't know what to do with myself, but being in such beautiful surroundings and meeting like-minded people I felt at home fairly quickly. I'm sure you will too."
"Only a minute ago I said to Duncan everyone seems so normal," Brittany piped up.
"That's hilarious," Scott said with a chuckle.
"Don't laugh," Theresa said. "I was thinking the same thing."
The conversation helped ease the tension, and the couple were soon chatting with the other guests.
"Enough afternoon tea," Duncan murmured, taking Brittany aside. "I want to take you on a tour."
"Yes, please. Can we wander wherever we want?"
"As I told you, the house offers separate wings and we're restricted to this one, but there's plenty to look at."
"No kidding. I can barely take in what I've seen already."
Moving down a hall, he took her through a reception room towards wide, double doors, paused, then opened them with a flourish.
"After you, madame."
"My gosh, what is this?"
"The main ballroom," he answered, moving up beside her. "Back in the glory days, this would have hosted some extraordinary parties. The massive crystal chandeliers are still hanging, and look at the murals running along the sides of the ceiling."
"I can hardly believe my eyes. Why is it empty? There's not a stick of furniture in here."
"It's reserved for special events, and they furnish it accordingly. There's a costume ball coming up. I don't know the theme yet, but would you like to attend?"
"I'd absolutely love to."
"About the dinner tonight," he began, taking her hand as they wandered the great room, "if Monty is here, he'll probably be head of the table."
"Monty?"
"Edith's son. The last time I saw him he had Sandy Sullivan on his arm."
"The supermodel?"
"The supermodel, but I've never seen him with the same woman twice. The thing is, if Monty is the head, it's likely he'll have something up his sleeve. He likes to offer surprises."
"I might regret saying this, but I'm up for it," she said with a grin. "Duncan, thank you so much for bringing me here."
"I've wanted
to share this place with someone special for a long time," he said softly, bringing her into his arms, "and you, Brittany, are that someone special."
Staring at the tiny blue flecks dotting his warm brown eyes, she felt a delicious rolling in her stomach. His fingers slipped into her hair, and tugging back her head, his lips pressed against hers with a demanding heat. He was gripping her tightly, owning her, kissing her with a passion that made her body weak and sent a surge of moisture through her sex. The kiss was endless, his lips devouring hers, his tongue exploring her mouth, and when he finally released her, she was breathless, weak, and aching for his cock.
"Tonight you will learn more about me," he said huskily, "and more about yourself. You'll feel what it's like to be possessed. Are you ready for that?"
"Yes. At least…I think so."
"Are you wet?" he asked, thrusting his hand under her skirt. "I'm going to make sure." Pushing aside the gusset of her panties, he slipped his fingers into her slit. "Very wet, but you're wearing underwear. Take them off."
"Here?"
In an instant she was bent over, her skirt was up, and his hand was slapping her bottom.
"Sir, ow, ow…!"
"Lesson number one," he said sharply as he continued to redden her behind, "you do as I say, when I say, no questions."
"Yes, Sir. Ow! Ow!"
As quick as he'd yanked her forward, he pulled her up.
"I am your Dominant, and we are in a place where I expect complete obedience at all times. If you're uncomfortable tell me, but when I give you an instruction you must follow it without so much as a blink—unless you want to provoke a profound reaction."
She flashed back to the ship. His stern demeanor and strict discipline had taken her breath away. An unexpected aching wave of need rippled through her body. Reaching under her skirt, she quickly slipped off her knickers.
"Place them in your bag."
Immediately dropping the panties into her purse, she looked up at him expectantly.
He smiled down at her, then kissed her softly. He'd created the short, tantalizing scene to prepare her for the evening ahead.
"Good girl. I trust there will be no further incidents."
"No, Sir. May I say something?"
"The term is, permission to speak, Sir."
"Permission to speak, Sir?"
"Granted."
"You just melted me. I love you so much. I love how you are and what you do. May I have a hug?"
"You certainly may."
As she sank against him, he closed his eyes and engulfed her in his arms.
"I love you too, Brittany. I love everything about you."
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Dinner
Standing in front of an antique oval mirror while Duncan stood behind her and laced the corset, Brittany thought she looked like a Princess from an erotic fairy tale.
"All done," he declared, leaning forward to nuzzle her neck. "You look spectacular. Finish dressing. I'm going to put on my ascot."
"Can you hug me for just a second?"
"Of course," he murmured, cradling her softly.
"Duncan, why do I feel so strange?"
"Nervous excitement. It's only natural. Take a deep breath and try to relax. I'll be back in a minute."
Kissing her tenderly, he retrieved his silk scarf from his overnight bag and disappeared into the bathroom. Smiling at his reflection in the large mirror above the marble counter, he began the ritual. He could have completed the task in the bedroom, but he wanted to give Brittany a few minutes to finish dressing, and the ascot was a surprise. Tying the silk around his neck, he imagined her pulling on the fancy lace knickers and silk stockings, then carefully stepping into the shiny black stilettos. Enjoying the imagery as he finished the fancy necktie, he returned to the bedroom, only to find her in a seductive pose by the side of the bed.
"Brittany, what a vision! You're going to take everyone's breath away!"
"As long as I take your breath away," she replied, her soft southern accent sounding like a bird's song. "Duncan!" she suddenly exclaimed, noticing his scarf. "Your ascot, it's black and gold. We match!"
"We do, but I have to complete your outfit," he said, taking her hand and leading her back to the mirror. "Wait here."
Opening the double doors of the armoire and sliding out a drawer, he picked up a black leather collar and leash.
"You must wear this," he said solemnly, moving back to her and buckling the leather band around her neck. "I'll be leading you with a leash, so you need to stay a step or two behind me."
"Yes, Sir," she murmured, her goose bumps popping. "Do you know long I've dreamed of having a collar around my neck? You've made me so happy."
"The feeling's mutual, precious girl. There, now you're perfect," he declared, clipping on the leash. "I do love this rolled leather. I must pick up a leash like this. It's not just a piece of leather with a snap at the end. The finer details matter."
"Like your black and gold scarf?"
"Yes, like that. Shall we go?"
"Absolutely. I'm ready for whatever."
"That's a good thing to be ready for," he said with a chuckle.
Giving the leash a slight tug, he led her out the door, along the hall and down the stairs. As they approached the reception room adjacent to the dining hall, he spied the ginger-haired, handsome Monty in the center of a large gathering with an exotic beauty at his side.
"Brittany, do you see the red-headed chap? That's Monty."
"The woman he's with is gorgeous, but what an outfit! I can't say I find it attractive."
The girl was dressed in a cut-off, aqua, spandex top with a stand up collar. Below her naked midriff she wore satin shorts, fishnet black stockings and thigh-high boots.
"I have to agree," Duncan murmured. "I like my women soft, sexy and feminine—like you."
"Thank you, kind Sir."
"Time to join the fun. Remember, stay a step behind me."
Moving into the fray he saw a few familiar faces, then spied Theresa and Scott standing by the fireplace sipping champagne from crystal flutes. As Theresa spotted him, he noticed relief cross her face, and walked quickly through the guests to join them.
"You look beautiful, Brittany," Theresa exclaimed. "Where did you find such a beautiful corset?"
"At a specialty shop in Knightsbridge. I love your outfit too," Brittany replied, eyeing the strapless, scarlet bustier and short, black pencil skirt.
"I'm embarrassed to say we're still a bit intimidated by all this," Scott said ruefully. "I didn't expect so many guests."
"I promise it gets easier. Did you read the rules? No questions about work, place of residence, politics or religion."
"I did, and I think they're very wise."
Duncan helped the couple socialize, but it was only a few minutes before the dinner gong sounded and the crowd moved into the dining room.
"Wow," Brittany mumbled. "Is it always like this?"
"Yes, but the setting sometimes changes."
Large platters of food in the style of a Tudor feast graced the table, and the champagne flutes were full. In front of the plates sat two small, black paper sacks, alternatively marked with a capital D, and a lower case pink, s. As Duncan led Brittany to their seats, she noticed several of the women had remained standing behind their Dominants.
"I assume those women like to serve," she whispered. "I want to do that sometime, but dressed in a maid's outfit."
"You've mentioned that before. I'll have to buy you one."
"Or maybe I'll pick it up and surprise you one night," she suggested with a cheeky grin as they sat down.
As the guests settled into their chairs, Monty stood at the head of the table and tapped his glass with a spoon.
"Good evening everyone. I'm delighted to see such a large gathering. Perhaps it's because spring is in the air, and we all know that when spring is in the air a young man's heart turns to thoughts o
f love. Here at Andover Abbey, we say a man's heart, young or not so young, turns to thoughts of decadence."
There was a titter among the group, and waiting until it passed, he raised his champagne.
"Welcome to our new guests and old friends. Here's to a sinfully, naughty night."
The guests lifted their flutes, clinked glasses, and sipped the bubbly wine.
"Gentlemen, when you look inside your gift bag you'll see I have arranged a special dessert to follow the delicious sponge pudding at the end of our meal. Enjoy your dinner."
As the guests reached for their mystery gift, Brittany noticed the women were waiting until their Dominants gave their permission.
"What's in there?" she asked as Duncan peered into his.
"Never you mind. You may look in yours, though I can already guess what's in there."
"A blindfold," she exclaimed, reaching inside and pulling it out. "Why will I need a blindfold?"
"You'll find out, but now it's time to eat, and I'm starving. I'm sure you are too."
"I certainly am. I'm hungry and very happy!"
* * * * * * * * * *
Finishing up a delicious meal with a brandy soaked pudding served with warm custard, the plates were cleared, and the table fell quiet as Monty rose to his feet.
"If anyone does not wish to participate in the after dinner activity, now is the time to leave."
"Brittany?" Duncan whispered. "Are you sure you want to stay?"
"Yes, definitely."
"Apparently you are all choosing to remain," Monty continued. "I'm delighted. Ladies, blindfolds on, then stand up and over the table."
"Okay, now I'm suddenly nervous," Brittany muttered.
"You had your chance. Do as you're told, or Monty might take it into his head to make an example of you."
"Holy crap," she said under her breath, immediately sliding the blindfold in place and laying across the table.
She heard a humming sound, then Duncan's fingers slipped inside the gusset of her knickers and slid a buzzing dildo inside her. Letting out a cry of surprise, she wriggled her hips, but anticipating her reaction Duncan had kept his thumb pressed against the base.
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