8 comments/ 90094 views/ 37 favorites Costume Drama By: Dave933 This submission contains male submission and male-male sex. Don't read it if these things offend you! I had presumed that all would be as I remembered it at Croftworth house; the ancestral home of my family. We were a respected family, albeit of modest means, and I had not been home in two years. I had been away at sea; a junior officer on a mission of exploration to the land of 'Brazil'. It had been far more enjoyable than I dared expect. The minor privations en voyage were quickly forgotten in that beautiful place. The captain had little need of me, assigning me to 'supervise' some of the scientists, who quickly put me to work. I had thereafter spent months categorising flowering plants; pressing them into books, and painting watercolours of living plants. My uncle had presumed that joining the navy would 'Make a man' of me, but I had been very lucky in avoiding the potential hardships of the high seas. And officer training had been little different than my time at the boarding school in London. Mother had often pointed out that in temperament, my twin sister Evelyn and I would have done well to change places; she was as outgoing and vibrant as I am introspective and quiet. I would be inside reading or painting when she was out riding, or persuading Old Leatherneck Johnson to teach her how to fence. Not that mother had ever found out about that! I was most happy remembering their foibles as I reached the stables. Mark, the stable boy took Gulliver (my horse) to brush him down whilst I walked back to the front door. Mother would be terribly cross if I came in the back way, after all. After ringing the bell, I waited patiently for our ancient butler Saul to open the door. It was flung open abruptly, and my sister bounded out with enthusiasm. "Oh Edward, welcome home! It is so good to see you!" she said, bringing me into a most un-ladylike embrace. She hugged me tightly; her strong arms quite squeezing the breath out of me. She was ever the stronger of us; my delicate wrists and shoulders would have made me a feeble farmer had I been of lower birth. "Gosh, I thought you might have grown!" said Evelyn with mock disappointment. "I do believe that I could pick you up, Edward" To my great embarrassment, she proceeded to do just this, seemingly effortlessly lifting me with her arms about my waist. "Put me down, you great goose!" I cried. Evelyn laughed, squeezing me even tighter for a moment before dropping me to the floor. "Come in, Edward dearest. Have some tea, and tell us tales of tall ships..." We walked in together, and went to the parlor where their mother waited for them. The next hour was a confusing one, as my mother and sister asked politely about my travels. I could tell that there was something they were not telling me, but I couldn't seem to get control of the conversation. I did wonder where old Saul was; our dinner was served by a solitary young girl that I didn't recognise. It wasn't until that evening after dinner that mother finally explained what was on her mind. "Alas, Edward," she began, taking hold of her goblet of Sancerre, "Our family faces dire financial times." "Why, mother. I had thought Father had left us well in order?" I replied. Father had died four years previously of dropsy. "All seemed well, Edward. But although we were careful not to send our money overseas, the recent China Sea collapse has ruined most of the institutions we had investments in. Holmshead farm has been struck by disease, and is little more than running at a break, and the Dauntless has not returned; feared lost at sea." His mother paused for a swallow of wine, giving me a moment to digest these facts. "These are grim tidings indeed, mother. How low has our income fallen?" I asked with grave concern. "When your father died, God rest him, our income peaked at near nine thousand a year. If we take a thousand this year, it will be a miracle." "Good God! Mother, that is... We cannot continue on under a thousand a year! We are bound to run up debts..." "Three thousand, so far. If not, we should have lost Holmshead a year ago after the damp summer." I swallowed nervously. These were grim tidings indeed. And what could I do; a poorly experienced officer, an artist of no great talent, a minor landowner with no gift for husbandry? We had no rich relatives - we had been the rich relatives, not so long ago! "We should sell our house at Croftworth here; and live simply at Holmshead" announced Evelyn. "We could expand the farm greatly with the funds, and make it more profitable. I should like to drop the society side of life, and live in the country anyway." Mother stiffened. "Never! We have cut staffing here already - almost half the household staff, and more of the groundsmen. I have sold four horses - and a tract of land across the river. We shall get by - and more, if you stop your childish behaviour and recognise your obligations!" I sat back as Mother and my sister argued pointedly at each other. I had learnt long ago not to step between these headstrong women! Soon, I learned what Mother's plans were to restore the family's fortunes. She was negotiating a match with a Mr. Thomas Graves of London, a businessman of great repute and greater pocket. Risen from poverty in Lancashire, a match to their own well-respected (albeit slightly impoverished) family would enhance his standing in society, and that of his children. Unsurprisingly, Evelyn was resisting with every fibre of her being. She had been reading literature from the colonies, learning of a far freer society and had no desire to be wed to a man twelve years her senior, particularly not one who saw her mostly as a chattel. Indeed, on his sole visit to Croftworth, he had only spoken six words to her; otherwise negotiating entirely with our mother. Both women clearly wanted my moral support, and I hurriedly excused myself, pleading a need for fresh air. This could not have been more untrue, as in truth I craved a cigarillo; a habit I had picked up in Brazil. I plucked out my silver cigar case with slender fingers, and lit one on a lantern at the door before walking into the moonlit garden. I circled the garden, deep in thought. It was clear that the losses the family had endured threatened our very society. Mother's solution was very practical, and exactly what she would have expected to do herself in such a circumstance. Evelyn too, had a sensible plan that clearly horrified their mother. It was a difficult choice that I faced - the selfish side of me really wanted to continue our life of (relative) privilege, but the thought of my beloved sister having to take a man she clearly disliked into her bed... I sighed deeply, taking a puff on my rapidly diminishing cigar. There was nothing for it, as there seemed no other way to restore the family's fortunes. Evelyn couldn't really expect the family to sell Croftworth, where we had lived for nearly a hundred years! She had a duty to the family, as I had when I joined the navy - it had filled me with horror at the time, but I had acquitted myself quite well. "Edward?" came my sister's voice. I turned to see her a few feet away in the gloom. "Evelyn. I am so sorry for the jumble our lives have become. I can see your apprehension about - " "No apprehension, brother!" She interrupted. "I am quite resolute in this - I shall not marry Mr. Graves - or anyone else; whoring myself simply to provide for my mother's dotage!" "But Evelyn, it is -" "Oh!" Evelyn actually stamped her foot in anger. "I should have known better than to expect you to take my side. You always were Mummy's boy!" Evelyn turned with a swirl and rustling of skirts, stamping off down the garden path in a proper fury. Yet, what could I do? We were bound to do our duty for mother, and for the family. I sighed, and made my way inside. Mother had already taken herself off, and so I took a brandy and sat in the library, trying to think through our predicament. It seemed that only the deus ex machina return of the Dauntless would suffice to save Evelyn from the need to marry Mr. Graves; and that chance seemed most remote. I could think of nothing that I could do. Had I been a heroic soldier, a man of repute, I might have chanced society, hoping to marry a young heiress; but I was no such catch. That night, I slept uneasily. The next day was long and stressful, dragging the hours out as my mother and sister continued their argument. It seemed that Mr. Graves was due to visit once more in three days time, and the matter would be finalised. I did my best to comfort my sister; but she would have none of it, almost as angry with me as she was with Mother. Ah, but this was not the welcoming family bosom I had been expecting! But I knew not then how quickly things could change! The next day, I rose late. Painting in the garden - a favourite activity of mine - I saw naught amiss until evening, when my sister did not attend supper with us. "She is probably sulking in her room," sniffed Mother disdainfully. I kept my peace for a moment, eating the cold cuts of pork and beef with quince jelly and pickled cabbage. Still, I felt that I had to speak. "Mother, Evelyn is simply distressed. She will come to in time; she simply does not want to see it now. We all must put the family first, and Evelyn knows it as well as I." Mother made a rude 'Harrumph' sound, and returned to her dinner. I knew not if I had truly mollified her, but at least she complained no more behind Evelyn's back. Neither of us, it seemed, truly understood how headstrong and passionate my sister could be; but we would come to find out the next day. Wondering where Evelyn might be as it grew dark; I spoke later to Maryanne, the scullery maid. "Why Sir, I have not seen her since this morning. She was away to her friend Charlotte's with a picnic." "Oh. Well, thank-you, Maryanne." I dismissed her. Evelyn's friend Charlotte Bryant lived four miles away, and they had long been friends. She may stay there a night or two, I thought; glad she was happy somewhere and not simply sulking in her rooms. When the next day came though, Mother was quite cross with Evelyn for leaving without announcement. "Does the foolish girl not remember that Mr. Graves will be here tomorrow with his solicitor? You must ride over after breakfast, and bring her back!" she snapped. "Of course, Mother." I said dutifully. I would be glad to get out of the house; she and Evelyn had made the atmosphere of Croftworth quite unbearable. I finished my devilled eggs on toast, and left quickly. The morning ride really was most enjoyable. Gulliver was clearly enjoying being in the country; he had been rented out to a cloth merchant's wife whilst I was at sea; and I am sure she rarely went further than Hyde Park. His long legs kicked up clods of fertile soil as we cut across meadows and marshes, taking the direct route to Morningdew; the country house of the Bryants. I took Gulliver to the stables there, and presented myself properly at the front door. In due time, I was brought through to meet with Charlotte, in the stern company of her governess. There, I received a most unwelcome shock - Evelyn was not there! "But what do you mean? She rode over here yesterday morning!" I demanded. "Indeed she did, Edward" replied Charlotte coolly. "But after picking up some bags she had me keep for her, she left soon after. She left a letter for you, sealed. I shall fetch it for you directly." My blood ran cold as Charlotte left the room. What could this mean - Evelyn gone a day and more; takings bags and leaving letters...? My stomach knotted as I waited. On Charlotte's return, it was as bad as I feared. The letter read as follows: My dearest Edward. As you have no doubt realised, I have taken my leave unannounced. Think not ill of me in this, I beg of you! I cannot bear to hobble myself to a man unloved, simply for the sake of a house and lands that I care nothing for. I go to seek my fortune in the North, in the cities of Liverpool or Manchester. I should rather scrub tables in a low-cut blouse or wait on gentlemen in a club than molder in a mausoleum with no other task than spreading my legs to provide an heir for a man who loves me not. I have some small coin saved, and am sure that I can make my way in the world. I have my clothes, my horse, and a sturdy sword to protect me. Wish me well, Edward. I shall write in time, God willing. Evelyn. Gone! My sister has run away! I can remember little of excusing myself, and the slow ride back to Croftworth. I was most fearful of Mother's reaction, but knew I could not delay a moment once I was back. Steeling myself, I kicked Gulliver into a gallop half a mile from home; so that my return not seem unhurried. I sought out Mother in the front room, where she sat with her brother, he reading whilst she did needlework. As soon as she saw my face, she could tell something was wrong. "Mother! Evelyn has left us!" I cried, thrusting the letter at her. She was very still as she read, and then passed the letter to my uncle. She sat, her face as unyielding as porcelain. "My God!" cried uncle Silas. "Evelyn! Gone! Mallory, this is terrible news!" "Of course it is, you fool. Edward, what do you know of this?" "Nothing, Mother! I missed Evelyn yesterday, but was told she had gone to visit Charlotte, as I told you earlier at breakfast. But according to Charlotte, she left Morningdew House before ten of the clock yesterday. Charlotte said that Evelyn had come early, emptied the chest she kept with Charlotte and bid her goodbye." I explained. "The engagement!" cried Silas. "It cannot be! We are ruined!" "That is surely of no concern!" I retorted. "My sister is gone, unescorted into the North where she could fall prey to... Scoundrels, and footpads, and, and worse!" Mother raised her head defiantly. "It shall not be! Brother, you shall travel North in pursuit of Evelyn. Edward and I shall convince Mr. Graves that Evelyn is... indisposed, and buy time for you to return with her!" My mother would brook no disagreement, and in less than an hour, my rotund uncle Silas was riding north with my own horse, Gulliver, and a pocket full of coins. We had kept everything from the servants, knowing that gossip could destroy everything. Silas came and went often, and little would be thought of it. Once he was gone, mother ordered me to wash and shave, that I be presentable. It seemed an odd request, but knowing her mood I jumped to obey. I yet grew no real beard, but had a soft blonde moustache which needed removing perhaps once a week. Mother appeared in my room as I finished wiping the shaving cream flecks from my face. "Mother!" I cried, lifting my towel to hide my chest. "Don't be a fool, boy!" she snapped. "I birthed you, suckled you at my breast, and you have nothing I haven't seen before! Put that towel down." Shocked, I did what she said, revealing my slender and almost hairless chest. "Edward, we must needs perpetuate a most deep deception. It may take weeks for Silas to find your fool sister and return with her. There is no way we can put off Graves so long without arousing his suspicions. He knows how much we need his money." "Mother - what can you mean? Can we not tell him that Evelyn is ill? Or has been called away for family reasons?" I questioned her. "Tell the man his potential bride is ill? And what sort of illness did you have in mind? And would he not wish to see her? As for your other notion, what business could possibly call her away and not you or I?" My mother sighed, and her voice softened. "Be sure Edward; I have considered every possibility thoroughly. There is only one good solution - you must take Evelyn's place." "What? Mother?" I was stunned at the suggestion, as any man might be. "You and Evelyn have always been almost identical, Edward. In fact, you are probably more slender and graceful than she is! You have most delicate features, and are as softly-spoken as she." "But I cannot pretend to be a woman, mother! I am a man!" I protested. "I have seen actors most convincing at the theatre," said Mother firmly. "Mr. Graves will be here with his solicitor tomorrow. He will likely spend very little time with you - perhaps a turn around the garden - ten or twenty minutes at most!" She paused to let me digest this fact before following it up. "If you do not do this Edward, we are lost! We will need to sell Croftworth and move to Holmshead - we cannot afford to run Croftworth for long - your sister was quite correct about this - blast her! If Mr. Graves realises that your sister has run away, he will abandon all thought of marrying her! We shall never hear from him again!" My heart was racing, fit to burst; and my stomach seemed full of eels as I considered her words. It was, I supposed, just acting. Like the men in the theatre, as she said. They pretend to be women every day... Mother of course, knew exactly how to control me in those days, as ever. My lack of self-reliance meant I trusted her judgment more than my own - as I still do, really! In any event, my feeble protests grew feebler still; and soon she had me walking to my sister's room clad in just my breeches and a vest. Little did I know it, but my life was about to change most markedly, and in a most unusual way. I would literally never be the same again! --- Mother sat me at Evelyn's dressing table, and proceeded to pull out Evelyn's chest of drawers. She hurriedly pulled out several items of clothing, and laid them on the bed. "Take your underthings off and change into these" said Mother firmly. "I shall return in a few moments." She left abruptly, and I stood up. Hands trembling, I approached the bed. Several of Evelyn's undergarments were laid out on the bed. In shape, they were not so different from my own, but these were far finer and softer; and trimmed with pale blue ribbon. I picked up a pair of undershorts; prettily frilled and lacking a fly. Surely I did not need to wear these? Certainly no-one would be seeing them! I determined to rebel, but this determination lasted but a moment. Mother would surely chastise me vigorously; and knowing myself, I knew that I would end up wearing them anyway. At least if I were quick, I need not expose myself to my mother's eyes! Quickly, I stripped off my vest and breeches. Under these were my plain undershorts, and I took these off to stand naked in my sister's pretty bedroom. I took up the pretty undershorts and pulled them up my slender legs. They fit snugly, cupping my sac and shaft neatly. The material was soft against my skin, and I smiled slightly. Next, I picked up a thin chemise and slid it over my head. The fine cotton smelled slightly of lavender, and I breathed deeply. The chemise was long enough to overhang my undershorts, at least giving me some decency for once my mother returned. Three items remained on the bed - a pair of stockings, and a plain white underskirt. It seemed sensible to put the innermost layer on first, and I sat on the bed to pull on the cotton stockings. Pale blue, and very fine (aside from a tiny area that had been darned on one toe), the smooth material slid effortlessly over my slender and finely-muscled legs. There was a sparse pattern of fine blonde hairs over my calves and thighs, but these did not penetrate the fine material. My legs were a little longer than Evelyn's, and the first stocking reached to my mid-thigh. It was fixed about the top with a strong blue ribbon, which I tied as tightly as was comfortable. Mother returned as I pulled up the second stocking, placing several things on the bed behind me. Once I had tied up the second stocking, she bade me stand up before her. Costume Drama "Sir!" "Honesty, Evelyn. Honesty and obedience are the watchwords I will hold my future bride to. I am a man of, shall we say, unusual mind and exotic tastes. Tell me honestly, what other use might we put this noble fruit to?" "I... It..." I struggled to find the ladylike words for what I had heard sailors discussing freely. "It looks - like a male part, Sir" I let out with almost a sob. "Very good, Evelyn. Have you seen such a thing?" "Of course not Sir!" I lied, blushing hotly. "Well, perhaps in time..." he chuckled. "Evelyn, I am most pleased by your honesty, and these beginnings of imagination. I shall invite you and your mother to Guildford. One final thing, though... One test before I take this arrangement forwards..." "Sir?" "Lift your hair at the back, Evelyn. Let me see the elegance of your neck." His request was exceedingly bold, and I am sure my sister would have refused. But should I? This man made offers to safeguard our family home, support us all. After a moment, I put my hand back, pulling the fine hairs of my wig to one side. The delicate arch of my neck was revealed, and he gasped appreciatively. "Ah, Evelyn" he said, moving closer. "Such delicacy. Such beauty..." he closed on me, bringing his face just inches from the bare flesh of my neck, and inhaled deeply. "Aaah... Delightful," he said. Quickly, he dropped down, placing a featherlight kiss on my neck before stepping back. I stumbled back, shocked at his boldness; my hair swinging back down to cover my 'delightful' neck. He bowed deeply to me as I was speechless; then offered me his hand. "Shall we go back to the house?" --- That evening, my mother cooed over me appreciatively. The potential offer for my hand was support enough to run Croftworth and more, albeit for a third share of the profits at Holmshead. Mr. Graves appeared to be most taken with me; and offered generous terms. It seemed that the ruse had worked. That night, once more I took my shaft in my hand; this time naked but for my beautiful wig, holding my hair aside. The memory of that stolen kiss played on me, Mr. Graves's handsome features pictured behind my eyes as I once more shot my seed by my own hand. --- The rest of the week passed surprisingly smoothly. I took care to rise and fix my hair before Penny arrived to help with my corsets; and she did not appear to suspect a thing. I spent most of my days learning womanly tasks - flower arranging, embroidery, knitting, dancing, and poetry - as though I were to need such knowledge indefinitely. Fortunately, Evelyn had a similar interest to watercolours as I did, and I was able to spend some time thus engaged. By the end of the week, I was most confident in my new skills; knowing that I could most probably pass undetected as a man in any number of fields. Penny was a sweet girl, and I even enjoyed our innocent conversations about Mr. Graves, and the easy way I could reduce my young maid to fits of giggles. I insisted on her letting me braid her hair in return, and play at making her up, and the sweet sixteen-year old happily agreed. It was valuable practice for me, and I confess that it aroused me playing with her so intimately. On Thursday, a week after he left, a letter arrived from Silas in Manchester. He had spent some time searching for my sister, and had recently been informed of a young woman of her name and appearance exactly, only working in Liverpool! He was on his way, and confident of returning with her within ten days! It seemed that all was going smoothly. We were due to visit Guildford the next day, and I arranged for a hot bath in the evening. Penny ferried kettles of boiling water for nearly an hour before there was enough, and I shooed her out, locking my room and putting a chair under the door to the scullery stairs. I luxuriated in the hot water; carefully shaving my face, as well as the sparse hairs on my arms and legs. I was quick to get out and dry myself, removing the chair once my flannel nightgown was on. Scant moments later, there was a timid knock on the scullery door and Penny spoke. "Miss?" "Come in, Penny" I answered. She came in through the door backwards, carrying a steaming kettle. "I thought that you might want some water, Miss...Oh!" she said, seeing that I was already out of the bath. "Oh sorry, Penny. You heated another kettle," I said softly. Her shoulders drooped, and my heart went out to her. "Was it nice, miss?" she asked. "Yes Penny. I'm sorry that you worked so hard for one bath." I said. She bit her lip. "Miss? Do you want to retire straight away? Or might you read for a while?" "I shall probably read awhile Penny", I said. She hesitated, looking at me shyly. "Might I use your bathwater, miss?" My mouth dropped open. "I've never had a hot bath miss, only cold water. Would you let me try one?" she asked persuasively. I closed my mouth, trying not to look offended. It was a cheeky request, but a reasonable one given how close we had become this week. We were both girls, after all, as far as she knew; and doubtless she had sisters she had shared beds with. Many girls her age of my own class would be married already. "I, er... Of course, Penny." I said. "I shall read my book." I turned away to hide my blushes. I had seen naked women in Brazil, but never a fair English rose such as Penny. I picked up my book. Where would I sit? My chair by the fire was less than two feet from the copper bath. Dare I? When I turned about, Penny was finishing stoking the fire and loading it with more wood. She had lit a candle stand by my chair, clearly anticipating my needs, and I had little option but to settle there. "Thank you, miss" said Penny gratefully as she stood from the fire. She was in front of me, brightly lit by the fire as she began to undo the ties on her blouse. "You're very - very welcome, Penny." I said, stumbling as she slipped her blouse off. Underneath laid a cotton chemise, which followed quickly. Her breasts were bound by a sheet of thick cotton, wound several times around her to control her large bosom. I was fascinated as she unwrapped her upper body, unwittingly displaying her heavy breasts to me. I watched with awe as she bent at the waist, pushing off her skirt; her breasts dangling in front of me as she did. Now she was dressed only in a thin underskirt, and she pushed this down to reveal her flannel underwear. In a single movement, she removed these as well. Naked, the young girl was a breathtaking sight. In the full flush of young womanhood, she had full, round, high breasts topped with pink nipples. Her belly curved gently down to a light forest of fine yellow hair only half-concealing her mons pubis. As she turned to step into the bath, I had the chance to admire her pert bottom; as pretty a sight as I had ever seen. She splashed as she knelt down in the warm warm, the skin on her pert buttocks flexing most pleasingly, before turning around as she sat so that she was looking at me directly. She talked to me, enthusing happily about the pleasure of the warm water; in truth I can remember little more of what she said. But the sight of her lying naked, recumbent in my copper bath, her curvaceous naked form lit by the open flames of my hearth - that sight will stay with me forever. Even now, I can picture her body, turned golden by dancing flames. Her pretty face so peaceful, eyes closed and soft lips parted gently as she reclined. Her soft breasts rising and falling, covered in tiny droplets of water; pink nipples tightened into nubbins. I confess, I fell a little in love with her that day. But what could come of that? I was to marry Mr. Graves - at least, that was the first thought that entered my head. The stiff shaft arising from between my thighs reminded me otherwise, as I gazed surreptitiously at my nubile maid bathing. I was a gentleman, and must marry a lady. I could hardly take a housemaid to my bed, even were she to think me a man! My head listed with confusion, at no time more than when Penny finally stood. Bold and. Beautiful, bronzed by firelight, she stroked her hands down her soft flanks, breasts and legs to carry off the water before drying herself on my already-used towel. "That was lovely miss, really lovely." she said happily. "Thank you ever so!" She dressed hurriedly; and as she began to take away water by the bucket load, I slipped into bed as she was out of the room. Thus concealed by the sheets, I took my shaft into my hand and gently stroked myself as she came and went. When finally she was done, I clambered from my bed to kneel before the fire, pumping my member. I pictured her beauty as I did; her firm breasts in my mind as I erupted into the flames... ... On the next morning, we were picked up by Mr. Graves's coach. The ride to Guildford took most of the day, and was beastly uninteresting. But I consoled myself daydreaming about Penny's lovely form; a most pleasant diversion I sometimes indulge in even today... Once we arrived there though, his impressive house and gardens were well worth the travel. His house, named Redoaks, was a very modern building of red brick; very different than our old home at Croftworth. I found myself imagining what it might be like to live there as the lady of the house, awaiting my handsome husband of an evening... I shook myself. I should not be imagining such things! And certainly I knew that if my identity was discovered, things would take a most unpleasant turn. After he greeted us, we dined formally in his lesser hall. Even this room was larger than any at Croftworth, and our conversation did little to fill it. The formality of the situation did little to inspire inconsequential chat, but Mother and Mr. Graves discussed the colonies a little. Mr. Graves had no sisters; only two brothers still living in the North; so there were none but ourselves for dinner. That night, I slept in a four-poster bed in a room next to Mothers; and the next day we rose early to get me into my corsets before any maids showed up. Mother was tightening my corsets to the full these days; leaving me feeling most constrained, with every breath reminding me of my form. We saw not a maid; and it transpired later that Mr. Graves had none! He had a butler, and there were several scullery maids; but none with the practice to help a lady with her toilet. I suppose it should have been no surprise; that this bachelor had not foreseen our needs. Still, it suited us well enough for this weekend. If we came for another visit, I toyed with the idea of bringing Penny; especially when I saw his bathroom. This room was large, tiled, with its own fireplace. A huge enamel bath, long enough to lie down in, dominated the room. The fireplace, on the far side of the bath, had a brass flue that rose up into the ceiling; presumably to cast more warmth. Two large pipes ran from the wall, ending in ornate faucets above one end of the bath. I wondered at the thought of Penny recumbent in the long bath; her whole body displayed to me under shimmering water... We breakfasted alone; and afterwards, accepted the offer of a short tour of the house from Mr. Yates, the butler. He showed us the great hall, the library and the long gallery; a nursery and several guest rooms. I asked him about the bathroom, and he proudly explained the mechanism - there was a coal-fed boiler on the other side of the wall, which could heat a bathful of water and deliver it all at once. Such luxury! I was most jealous of my sister's good fortune. Mother and I rode in the grounds later. They are surprisingly modest, although all most carefully kept. Mr. Graves is one for his comforts at home, it seems, and has little wish to farm the land. He has a small stable of four horses, two quite delicate enough to ride side-saddle; although I itched to throw my legs across and ride properly. Still, it was pleasant enough exploring the extent of his estate, and riding gently through the town itself. After lunching on the verandah at the back of Redoaks, Mother retired to do needlepoint; but I slipped away to explore the parts of Redoaks we had not toured earlier. I wandered the halls, peering into bedrooms and dressing rooms alike. A heavy door at the end of one corridor led into a library; paneled in dark oak. I looked at the impressive hoard of books; covering science, religion and art as well as fiction. Oh, for a library such as this at Croftworth! I had been most happy on my voyage, tucked up with a book and a fine brandy, learning of philosophy or poetry. My reverie was broken by a loud click, and I straightened up to see Mr. Graves turning from the door. He stood there for a moment, before walking up to me. He stood by the desk at which I sat, and viewed the botany book before me. "You have an interest in flowers then, Evelyn?" he said in his deep, masculine tones. "Oh yes," I said softly. "I am very fond of flowers; particularly the exotic blooms in Br... in books like these." "Well, I am glad that someone might enjoy the bulk of this library. In truth, I purchased it wholesale with the building, trusting the bookseller to supply the sort of books a gentleman is supposed to own... I am not much of a man of science, but of business!" "Business is something of a mystery to me, Mr. Graves. It seems very complicated." "Not at all, Evelyn. It is the simplest of things; it but requires a little nerve and determination. I am a determined man, Evelyn. I always get what I want, in the end." he said firmly. I swallowed, nervous as he towered over me. "My reading habits are a little more... esoteric, one might say. I have acquired several interesting manuals on my travels to the far East and India." he informed me. "How interesting", I said politely; wondering what he was talking about. "Have you heard of the Kama Sutra, Evelyn?" he asked. My jaw dropped, mouth opening in shock. I had heard of the book; the source of some legendary gossip amongst the crewmen on my voyage. But Evelyn would not have done - and for this man to mention it to her was surely unthinkable! "Ah, I see you have. Or you are familiar with its reputation at least. It is a manual of lovemaking, Evelyn. Of wifely duties and of the pleasures she can give to her husband." I blushed madly, but he continued. "This book will be important to us, should we wed, Evelyn. I would wish for you to study the book, and learn how to please me." I dropped my eyes to the desk, cheeks burning as he talked. "Before I can commit to marry you, I must know. Will you be the obedient wife I require, Evelyn? Will you submit yourself to me? He paused, waiting for me to look up and catch his eye. Nervously I did so, blushing and batting my eyes. I gathered my nerve, and spoke. "Yes, Sir. Of course." He took my chin, and his eyes fixed on mine; magnetic in their intensity. "You will submit, body and soul?" he demanded. "Yes", I said softly. "You will fulfill my desires, whatever they might be?" "Yes," I whispered. "Debase yourself? Like a whore, for me alone?" I nodded; barely able to croak out a feeble "yes". "Stay there," he said commandingly, as he took a couple of steps away. As he disappeared behind a standing case of books, I realised that my shaft had stiffened as best it could; tucked away beneath layers of concealing cloth. When Mr. Graves reappeared with a heavy book, I could see that he, too, was aroused beneath his flat-fronted trousers. "Look at these images, Evelyn" he said firmly, putting the book down open before me. I looked at the book obediently. A man and woman were shown conjoined therein, both naked and drawn with some accuracy. The woman lay on her back, legs spread wide; with the man between them, inserting his member between her legs. He turned a page, and we saw a woman on her hands and knees, naked; this time accepting the swollen member from behind. The next page was almost identical, until I realised that the naked woman was accepting the shaft not into her hairy cleft, but into the tight hole of her anus! Another page turned, and Mr. Graves murmured his success. "Ah. This is it..." We looked at the pages before us. This time, the woman knelt facing the man, both naked. She held his shaft in her delicate hand, and was feeding it between her ruby lips. Her eyes were half-open, and she was clearly enjoying herself. I looked at the text below the picture, and could hardly bring myself to read it. Phrases such as 'taking the phallus deep', 'stroking the testicles' and 'using her hands to explore her man's anus' someone leapt from the page directly into my head. Mr. Graves' hand was resting in the soft skin on my neck when next he spoke. "I could never take a wife that would not pleasure me so, Evelyn" he said in gentle, yet firm tones. "So will you commit to pleasuring me as I desire?" I hesitated; shocked and stunned at the audacity of my future husband. The things he wanted of me! Or rather of Evelyn! And yet, he could still walk away, leaving us destitute! I knew what I had to do. And my sister would just have to live with it. If I made sacrifices for the family, so would she! We must secure this marriage, regardless of the personal cost to Evelyn or I! I could feel my face tremble, and I swallowed nervously. Slowly, my delicately made-up face tilted up to his. "Yes" I whispered. "Tell me, Evelyn. Tell me what you will do." "I will.... I shall... take you - take your member - into my... my mouth!" I stammered nervously. "What else will you do for me, Evelyn?" "P...Pleasure you, Sir. I will pleasure you as you desire." "And..." he said, bringing his face down towards mine. "Debase myself, Sir! Do what you will of me..." "What will you be for me, Evelyn? For me, and me alone?" "A wh... A... A whore, Sir!" I could barely get the words out, but there they were. Mr. Grave's bent further, kissing me on my lips. His moustaches tickled my nose as our lips met; my lips instinctively pursing to meet his as he kissed me passionately. He stood up, pulling me off the chair. I started to rise, but he put a hand on my shoulder. "Kneel down for me, Evelyn." he ordered me. I obeyed unthinkingly, kneeling down in front of this dominant man; skirts falling on the floor around me. My corset-clad chest was heaving as I breathed hard; my passions inflamed by what was happening. I watched as his hands came to his fly, and he quickly unlaced the front of his trousers. My eyes bulged as he reached into his fly, and brought out a hugely erect member; a most proud staff far larger than my own. I stared goggle-eyed at the huge staff, which must have been ten inches long, and as thick as my delicate wrists. The head, purple and swollen like a plum, seemed to hypnotise me as it bobbed gently. "Give me your hands, Evelyn" he ordered. I obeyed unthinkingly, bringing them up. A moment later, my delicately manicured hands were pressed against his member, and my fingers tightened instinctively. Hard, yet yielding within it's loose sheath, his thick staff felt strange yet familiar in my hand; as familiar as my own. Gently, I moved my hand up and down. Mr. Graves moaned softly. "Take it into your mouth, Evelyn. Kiss it." I stared, horrified yet fascinated. Surely Evelyn would never... But yet some part of me wanted to... "I meet with your mother and our solicitors this afternoon, Evelyn. Shall I marry you, and save your family from ruin?" he said in low tones. Without any more thought or hesitation, I leaned forwards; my mouth. Opening. In the blink of an eye, I had his glans in my mouth, filling it like warm fruit. A warm, musky taste filled my mouth and nose as I sucked on his swollen glans. I dimly heard a moan above me, but my senses were filled as I closed my eyes. My hand slid back and forth as I pushed the glans first in and then almost out of my mouth. For what seemed like forever, I did this; and when I slipped too far and the phallus left me, I opened my eyes and dove hungrily onto this forbidden fruit.