His Aunt Nicole

[Simonssister]

Chapter 279.

After a few minutes they went inside, Clarissa leading the exhausted Bobby.
“I’m sorry darling, I had no idea this would happen,” she whispered.  “Whatever was that all about?  Do you like that girl or something?  Anyway, I’ll get you sorted out.  There’s about forty minutes before we have to head to the pony rides, so you can get a little bit of rest
”
Bobby’s only response was a tired groan.

Thomasina was sitting on the bench, frowning, her flushed cheeks stained with tears.
“Miss Poole, I want to get changed.  The door seems to be locked.  Please unlock it so I can get to my proper clothes.”
“Proper clothes?  I don’t know what you mean.  What you’re wearing is your proper outfit for the rest of the day.”
“Miss Poole.  When my mother hears about this
”
Miss Poole sat down beside her on the bench.
“Your mother?  Oh, yes.  Lady Middiford.  I’d quite forgotten.  We must send her the video, mustn’t we?  She’ll be so impressed.  Zeta, could we have a look at some of the footage please?  Come and sit with us.”
Zeta took her seat on the other side of Thomasina, who all of a sudden had become silent.  She sat with hands clenched.  Her anger and confidence had evaporated.  She looked worried and frightened.  Zeta held the camera in front of her and played some clips.
“There we go,” said Miss Poole, cheerfully.  “Ah
  There, that’s the beginning.  See how pretty you look in pink latex?  You have a sweet body, my dear.  Isn’t it nice to show it off sometimes?  Oh, now this is where
there!  What did you do to make it do that?  I think it was your spurs
   You used your spurs, and out it popped!”
Thomasina gasped.  “No!  I didn’t do anything
”
“Well you were riding him rather hard, Thomasina.  I think he was enjoying it in some rather perverted way.  Or maybe he’d just taken a liking to you and he had no other way of expressing his feelings.  Look at it bouncing up and down!  You must have heard it spanking against his belly.  We all could.”
“P-please
  I didn’t mean to
  I mean, truly, I didn’t
  Please, Miss Poole, please
  Please don’t let my mother
”
“Thomasina, look.  Don’t miss this bit.  This is where it happens.  He stops, and
  Oh my god, just look at it pumping!  You really didn’t realise?  I find that a little hard to believe
”
“I had no idea
  I swear
”
“I just love the way you sit there holding on, while he’s, well
  I mean, what an exhibition!  How long was that, Zeta?”
“Let me see
  From the moment he stopped till he finally wilted
  About a minute and five seconds.”
“Wow!  Thomasina!  And you really don’t even have a boyfriend?  Goodness!  Just don’t ask to ride any of the stallions, will you, or goodness knows
”
“Miss Poole, you know I had no intention
none whatsoever
  I mean, how could I possibly have foreseen
w-what was going to happen
”
Miss Poole gave her a sly wink.  “It can be our secret, dear.  No-one here will say a word, I can assure you.”
“No, you have to believe me
  I would never
  Not anything like that
”
Her brow wrinkled, as if she was going to start crying again.  “That video
”   
“Oh, yes
  You’ll be wanting the video, of course.  Look, we need to get on.  Could you pop into my office this evening?  Any time after six.  And we can discuss all this at our leisure.”
“Of course, Miss Poole.  But what about this afternoon?”
“Oh, yes.  Let’s see
one-twenty.  We have a good half hour before the pony rides.  Ellie?  Are you ready for Thomasina?”
“Yes, Miss Poole.”
“R-ready
?”
“Just do what Ellie tells you, and there won’t be any need for you to worry about anything
what you did just now, what’s going to happen to the video
  I’ll take care of everything.”
Thomasina looked at her questioningly.  Miss Poole returned he gaze.  There was a smile on her lips, but a warning in her eyes.  Thomasina understood perfectly.
“Yes, Miss Poole.”

Five minutes later she found herself standing on the crate.  Ellie had called her friends, and the stable girls started arriving in groups of three, four or five.  As each group caught sight of Thomasina, there were catcalls, whoops, whistles and laughter.  Soon the courtyard was noisy with chattering, giggling girls, and the clicking of phones.  Ellie stepped forward.
“You all know Thomasina.  Thomasina confessed to me that she’s always secretly wanted to wear cool latex riding outfits like this, but never had the confidence.  She asked me to arrange this show to see what you all thought.  If you approve, who knows where it will lead?  If you think it suits her, please raise your hand.”
The response was overwhelming, and accompanied by cheers, and shouts of “go, Thomasina!”.
“Thank you all so much.  There, Thomasina.  Unanimous.  Brave girl!  Now just stand there until it’s time for the pony rides, so everyone can get a good look.  Come on girls.  Come and check her out, come feel the quality of this amazing latex!”

[Simonssister]

Chapter 280.

From the point of view of popularity the pony-rides were a great success.  Only fifty tickets had been issued, though idle spectators outnumbered participants by a ratio of about four to one, and their attention seemed to be about equally divided between the pony and the rather attractive girl in shocking pink stewarding the participants.  A nice lady from a local paper took lots of pictures, and promised Thomasina, despite her desperate pleas for anonymity, to feature her in a quarter-page photograph in the events section.  MĂ©lisande was busy helping the younger ones, demonstrating the correct use of the aids or leading Bobby around by the bridle.  He didn’t appear very sprightly that afternoon, and had to be given a good deal of encouragement, by way of whipping, kicking and spurring, to perform his duties.
“What’s the matter with you today?” hissed MĂ©lisande, between customers.  “You had a rest.  Wake up, please.  If you don’t, it’ll only be worse for you.”

The event finally wound up about half-past five, and Thomasina, who still hadn’t been able to retrieve her clothes, made straight for Miss Poole’s office.  Miss Poole wasn’t back yet, and she was left with a choice of sitting in reception or standing outside her door.  She chose the latter, thinking it would be the quieter place, though as it turned out it was unusually busy that evening, with people passing to and fro every minute, all pretending not to be looking at her.  But eventually Miss Poole reappeared.
“Thomasina, dear!  Do come in.  I’m late?  Oh, so I am.  Sorry.  Busy day, you know
”
She unlocked the door and ushered her in.
“Take a seat.  Now what an I do for you?”
“But
  You asked me to come to see you
”
“Oh, dear.  So I did.”
“And Miss Poole?  I asked my friend to go and collect my clothes, but she came back and told me the Old House is all locked up!  I can’t go home on the bus like this.  And what will mummy say?”
“She might say how pretty you look, mightn’t she?”
“My mother?  You don’t know her.  She insists I always dress modestly, to avoid unwanted attention.  She would have a heart attack if she saw me in this!”
Miss Poole raised an eyebrow, and inwardly expressed the hope that that might be true.
“Don’t you think you’re making a fuss over nothing?  Several of our members wear latex for riding out in bad weather.  You should try it.  It’s practical and really quite innocuous.”
“But it’s rather
fetishistic, isn’t it?”
“Look at what you normally wear.  Everything just so, all that designer stuff, the most expensive boots and breeches, Chanel gloves
  Isn’t that fetishistic in its own way?  That’s why that incident occurred.  That, and because you always capitulate when challenged.”
Thomasina’s face wrinkled up again, and her eyes gleamed with tears.
“Now Thomasina, darling
  Please don’t cry.  You can swear at me, call me an old bitch, if you like – I don’t care.  Just show some spirit.”
Thomasina looked up, startled.  For a moment she just stared, then she burst out laughing.
“Miss Poole
  I didn’t think I’d ever hear you
”
“Oh, I’m nothing special, dear.  I’m human too.  Chill out.  I’d really like to have you on my side.  I can see that under all that shyness and modesty you’re rather fun – and you could be quite feisty if you wanted.  Look, I have a problem.  Your mother is suing us for that incident
”
“I know!  I’m sorry.  I wish I’d never told her!”
“It’s all right.  It’s not your fault.  But it’s a problem for the Centre.  The last thing we need is to be accused of not looking after our members or staff.  I don’t quite know what to do.  In the back of my mind I had some idea of threatening your mother back using the video.  But I don’t want to get you into trouble
”
“You don’t have to.  I can fix this.”
“You can?  How?  Can you persuade her
?”
“No.  It’s very simple.  Tomorrow I have an appointment with the solicitor.  I have to make a statement about the incident.  I’ve been worrying about it for days.  Now I know just what to do.  I will make a statement, but I’ll say I provoked it.  I’ll say I hated that girl and wanted to find a way to get her sacked.”
“But that’s not what happened.”
“I know.  But that’s what I’ll say.  I’ll say I lied to mummy.  That it was my fault.  No, I’ve decided.  You’ve been straight with me.  It’s the least I can do.  This way they’ll have to withdraw their threats.  I hate those lawyers anyway.  Disgusting smooth bastards.  It’ll be a pleasure to see their smug faces drop.”
“Are you sure
?”
“Sure and certain.  You can stop worrying, Miss Poole.”
“Well
  I’m
very grateful.  It would be a load off my mind.  And the committee will be so relieved
”
“No problem.”
“Well then...  I guess we should get your clothes.  Shall we walk round to the House together?”
“Okay.”
They rose.  Miss Poole opened the door for her.  As they walked, Miss Poole figuratively opened another door for her.
“Thomasina
  I don’t know if this would interest you
  We have a sort of informal women’s club here, with Ellie and certain members of the committee and a couple of my friends and one or two of the stable staff.  We like to have a little illicit fun, now and again.  It often involves certain boys who shall for the time being be nameless.  If you would like to be a part of it
”
“Do you think I’d be useful, then?
“With your looks – and spirit?  I’m sure of it.”
“It sounds interesting
  Do we get to mistreat them a little
?”
“A little, yes
”
“Then
why not?”
“Excellent!”
“And don’t forget my video, will you?”
“I’ll do it tomorrow.  Ah, here we are.  I’ll get your clothes.”
“Thanks.  But you know what?  I’m going to keep this on underneath!  It feels kind of sexy, actually
”

[Simonssister]

Chapter 281.

Tim’s Sunday was a lot less tiring than Bobby’s, but almost equally uncomfortable.  Back inside, it was time for him to receive some basic instruction in the duties of a housemaid.  Nicola instructed Teri to leave them alone with him for an hour.
“Teri – you can go make all the beds, clean the toilets, and then it’ll be time to for our coffee-break and for you to start preparing lunch.  So after you’ve done the chores you can change into your kitchen maid outfit, there’s a good boy.” 
“Yes, miss.”
He departed.  She winked at Tim.  “I know I should call him “girl”, but sometimes “boy” is more embarrassing for him.  A lot of his mistresses call him boy.  One of them – Mrs Baker, I think – she’s a regular – always calls him “boy” or “little boy”, accompanied by a disparaging sneer.  It’s very effective.  He hates going to hers.  She always has her mates round, and some of them are really horrible to him!  He tells me all about it when he gets home.  Sometimes he’s almost in tears!  I pretend to sympathise, but when I hear the things they’ve done
  I find it quite exciting.  Do you think that makes me as bad as them, Tim?”
“No, miss.  I fink Teri likes you betterer than any of ‘em
”
“Did he tell you that?  Good boy
”
“That’s because most of them are so nasty,” laughed Priscilla.  “Nicola here’s an angel in comparison.  Remember that lesbian woman?  The tennis player?  He made some minor faux pas – they were out shopping in some posh clothes shop, Teri wearing his maid’s outfit with a chastity device and no panties – and she stopped, pulled a butt-plug out of her handbag, bent him over the counter, and calmly popped it in in front of everyone!”
“Of course we remember,” said Serena.  “That was out of order, though.”
“Maybe – but I bet he was on his best behaviour for the rest of the day!”

Tim was beginning to feel seriously alarmed.  This didn’t sound like the rather embarrassing dress-up game he had hoped.  His expression must have said it all, because the ladies all looked at him and sniggered.
“Don’t worry, Tim,” said Serena.  “It won’t always be as bad as that.  It just depends who you get sent to.  In any case, you won’t be put on the website until we’re satisfied you’ve been trained to a sufficient standard.  I’m sure you’re a quick learner, so it shouldn’t be long.  And if you always keep in mind the basic principles of politeness, total obedience and efficiency, your mistresses will have all the less reason to punish you.”  She turned to the others.  “Shall we get started?”

While Priscilla, Nicola and Margaret sat down in a row on the sofa in front of the French doors, Serena left the room briefly and returned carrying a shiny circular steel disc about half a metre across.  It looked quite heavy.  She placed it in the middle of the room.
“Come stand on this please.”
Tim complied.  In the centre of the disc was a little depression across which was a steel bar flush with the surface.  Serena knelt down, attached pink leather ankle cuffs to his ankles, and joined with a fine steel chain which she slipped under the bar.  She attached the ends to the cuffs with tiny padlocks.
“There.  This is our basic immobiliser.  It keeps you in one place so you can’t shift about or fidget or misbehave.”  She retreated to a armchair near the sofa and sat down.  “Now first of all we’re going to test your suitability for the post of housemaid.  Please answer our questions promptly and honestly.  We’ll take it in turns.  Nicola, would you like to begin?”
Nicola looked him in the eye, frowning.
“Boy?  Lift your skirt and show me your bloomers.”
“Wh
what?”
Nicola sighed.  “You heard.  Do it now!”
“But
”
She jumped up, walked over to him, lifted his skirt and slapped him hard on his bare thigh.
“Ow!”
She resumed her seat.  It was Margaret’s turn.
“What sort of butt-plug would you like today, boy?  Egg-shaped or pen-is-shaped?”
Tim stared at her open-mouthed.
“I
” was all he could say.
“Wrong answer!”
It was her turn to approach him.  Tim tried to hold down his skirt, so she smacked his arm, then lifted his skirt and delivered an even harder smack, right on the same spot as Nicola.  She resumed her seat.  Now it was Priscilla’s turn.
“Do you like to suc-k coc-k, Tim?”
Tim blushed and began to stammer.
“S-suc-k
?”
“suc-k coc-k.  Do you like suc-king coc-k?”
“Er
”
Priscilla went to rise.  Tim’s thigh was stinging.  He chose the easier option.
“Y-yes,” he said, hurriedly.”
Priscilla leant back again.
“Yes what?”
“Y-yes
  I like to
s-suc-k coc-k
”
It was Serena’s turn.
“Do you suc-k Bobby’s coc-k?”
Tim took a deep breath.  “N-no
”
“But you are going to, aren’t you?”
A pause.  “Y-yes
”
“Will you wear one of your maid’s outfits?”
“Y-yes
”
“And may we watch?”
“Y-yes
”
“Good boy.  Then we’ll book a session at the boot parlour, and bring you a maid’s dress.  Maybe the one you’re wearing, maybe a cuter one, with a little skirt that lets you show your pretty bloomers.  Would you like that?”
“Y-yes, miss
”
“Would you like it a lot?  How much?”
“Y-yes
a lot
”
“Because you often think about it, don’t you?”
Tim turned bright red.  But they all misunderstood.  What Tim had fantasized about was the not him going down on Bobby, but on the contrary, Bobby....in his pretty dress...
“I’ll take that as a yes.”

And so it went on, for an hour.  More, since Teri seemed to be busier than anticipated.  Tim soon learned to return positive and obliging answers.  It was soon to become habitual.  “Yes, miss.”  “Right away, miss.”  “Anything you say, miss.”  “Thank you for punishing me, miss.”  It was the first test of obedience, and training in total submission.

Eventually, Teri returned, wearing a slightly different blue uniform and blue latex gloves.  Nicola ordered him into the kitchen, and followed behind.  Tim was left standing on his plate like some sort of exhibit, and was ignored while Teri served coffee and cakes to the ladies.  He was sure they hadn’t finished with him yet


[Simonssister]

Chapter 282.

Monday.  Thomasina’s appointment was at ten.  It was a chilly day, and she dressed herself warmly in leggings, boots, and a thick roll-neck jumper.  Her mother drove her.  The car warmed up.  Lady Middiford sniffed. 
“What’s that smell?”
“Smell?”
“Sort of rubbery smell.”
“Probably something in the heater.”
“Hmph.”
Caspar, Pugilmain and Snipe was a typical provincial firm of solicitors; three partners, two assistants, an articled clerk, the partners all with a self-satisfied auras of superiority and more or less unimaginative.  They couldn’t, for instance, imagine a client who thought she knew better than they, or who dared to challenge their decisions.  For them, even the great and noble, even the rich – especially the rich – should come to them hats in hand, pleading for advice.  Today their illusions of invincibility were about to be shattered.

The senior parter, Archibald (never dare to call me Archie) Pugilmain, showed them into his office with a cool motion of his well-manicured hand.
“Lady Middiford, a pleasure to see you
and your fair daughter
”  (He had already forgotten Thomasina’s name.)  “Please
take a seat.  I trust you are both well
?”
“Thank you, Mr Pugilmain
  Very well.”
“May I ask
have you heard anything from, er
”  He consulted his file.  “Ah, yes, Miss Poole, is it?  As I said, we have had nothing as yet
”
“Of course not.  Not a word from that woman – horse-trainer, whatever she is.  Didn’t expect it.  Lowest of the low.  Probably a gypsy, by the sound of her.”
“Ah, yes
quite.  Well, then, let us proceed.  Your daughter here, er
”
“Thomasina,” piped up Thomasina, looking at Pugilmain with an amused expression, which for a moment confused him slightly.
“Ah, yes, Tommer
”
“Sina.”
“So, er, Tommerseener, all we need is your statement of the unfortunate events of that day in September.”  He tried to assume an expression of empathy, but as that was a quality entirely absent from his character, the attempt failed.  “I hope the recollection will not be too distressing.”
Lady Middiford was beginning to look impatient, no doubt recalling Mr Pugilmain’s hourly rate, so he started recording.
“Please go ahead.”
“I have to make a confession.  I apologise for wasting everyone’s time – and your money, mummy.”
This was said in the most unapologetic tone imaginable.  Indeed, it appeared that Thomasina was actually smiling.  Lady Middiford’s eyes widened slightly Pugilmain looked mildly surprised, but as yet unconcerned.
“I was probably rather distressed that day.  I may have exaggerated.  That’s my excuse, anyway.  But mummy?  I think you also over-reacted.  I know you must have wanted to defend me, so I understand.  But whatever, I want to put the record straight.  I was pushed around a bit, but upon reflection I think I probably provoked the whole incident.  Those girls were always jealous of my expensive gear.  It wasn’t unnatural, considering how hard up most of them are.  I did nothing to appease them.  On the contrary, I flaunted my greater wealth and made them even more resentful.  It was stupid and crass and mean, and I regret it sincerely.  I got one of them sacked.  At the time I was pleased.  Now I realise that perhaps that was the outcome I was unconsciously hoping for.  I feel responsible for the whole thing.  If anyone is guilty, it’s me.  As for Miss Poole, she took immediate action.  It’s quite unfair that we should seek to take legal action against her or the Centre.  I apologised to her yesterday.  We should withdraw that horrible letter that Mr Plugilman wrote.”  (She particularly enjoyed mispronouncing his name, especially as that seemed to upset him even more than the substance of her statement.)  “Mummy, I’m sorry if I bent the truth that evening when I told you what had happened.  I wanted to put things right, but I was frightened that you would be angry with me.  And then things sort of
got out of hand
   Please understand
”

She hung her head.  Her mother peered at her.  She couldn’t tell whether she was about to cry
or whether there was a faint smile on her lips.  The rubbery smell seemed to have pursued them into Mr Pugilmain’s office.  Perhaps it had got into their clothes


Pugilmain looked at Lady Middiford with a sort of  “who can tell what goes on in young girls’ heads” expression.  It was a pity.  But at least he’s be able to charge for the letter of retraction.  That would cost more than the letter of intent, involving as it would subtle, lawyerly rhetoric  withdrawing threats whilst avoiding apologies.  As to the daughter’s statement, he was interested how Lady Middiford would react.  He anticipated an explosion.

But she wasn’t stupid.  Pugilmain had sent the letter without running it past her.  She was not happy about that, and she didn’t like him much anyway.  His smugness reminded her of her ex-husband, who she had divorced eight years before.  And she couldn’t help feeling proud of Thomasina for having a conscience and being so courageous.  It seemed she had been growing up with her noticing.

“Right.  Now we know the position.  Mr Pugilmain, please send a letter of retraction.  A simple letter to Miss Poole asking her to ignore your first one – which I didn’t like anyway.”
Pugilmain looked offended, but she ignored him.
“And this time please copy me the draft before you send it.  It’ll be a short letter, so please do it this morning, email it to me, I will approve or amend it immediately and you can email it to Miss Poole.  I’ll deal with the rest.”
“But Lady Middiford, I think we need to be very careful what we say
”
“No.  Don’t be careful.  Just do as I’ve asked.  Come, Thomasina.  We need to do some shopping before lunch.  By two, please, Mr Pugilmain.  No later than two.  Good morning.”

[Simonssister]

Chapter 283. 

Lady Middiford led the way out of the office, which was on South Kennett High Street.  She turned left and walked briskly, saying nothing.  Thomasina caught up with her and took her arm.
“Mummy
  Please don’t be angry.  I’m really sorry
”
“No you’re not.  And I’m not angry.  Actually I’m rather pleased.  You stood up for yourself.  You showed strength I hadn’t recognised.  I’m rather proud of you, darling.”
She stopped and gave her daughter a hug.
“We’re going to Roberts’ Tack Shop.  I want you to buy a couple of new outfits.  Nothing fancy, just good quality standard stuff.  You want to stay at Pitt’s Wood, right?”
“Very much
”
“I thought so.  So no more showing off.  Just fit in.  Do you get on with Miss Poole?”
“I think I do
now.”
“Then she doesn’t hold grudges?”
“Oh, no.  She’s not that sort at all.  She’s quite nice and ordinary
  Very down-to-earth.”
“Yes. I see.  I think I need to pay her a visit
  Explain myself.  Apologise.”
“Would you do that?”
“She sounds like someone I could do business with.  Also, I’m interested.  I’ve heard some lurid rumours about that place.  It rather intrigues me
   Anyway, after we’ve got you some gear I’ll drop you at school.  We can talk more tonight if you want to.”
“Thanks for understanding, mummy
” 
“I’m just glad we’ve straightened things out between ourselves.  As for Miss Poole, I’ll ring Pitt’s Wood and see if I can arrange a meeting.”

A phone call was all it took, and at three that afternoon the two ladies found themselves facing each other across Miss Poole’s desk.
“It’s good to meet you, Lady Middiford.  You have a very talented daughter.”
“I know.  You received my solicitor’s letter, I suppose?”
“Yes.  I’m very grateful
”
“You shouldn’t be.  What I did was unforgiveable.  I realise that now, since my daughter opened up about it all.  Miss Poole, I sincerely apologise for my actions, for which I take full responsibility.  Also for the tone of my lawyer’s first letter, which was sent without my approval.”
“Please, forget it.  Let’s put it in the past.  And please, call me Violet.”
“I appreciate your understanding more than I can say, Violet.  And please call me Edith.  Now, what about the girl who was dismissed?”
“Oh, I let her resign, and gave her a good reference, and three months’ pay in lieu of notice.  Don’t worry about her.  There had been other incidents.  And she’s working at another centre now.”
“I see.  That does make me feel a little better.  I was going to offer some money as compensation.”
“Not necessary, I assure you.”
“Well, in that case I’ll direct it elsewhere.  I understand you have a fund for less well-off children, for lessons and clothing.  How can I donate?”
“That’s very kind, Edith.  I can send you a link.”
“Please do.”  She paused.  “Can I ask you something?”
“Of course, Edith.”
“Well, I’ll be frank.  I’ve heard some quite unusual things about Pitt’s Wood.  I read in the paper something about a Ponyboy?  Is that the correct term?”
“Ah
our Ponyboy
yes, that’s right.”
“He gets ridden like a pony?”
“Yes
  He’s the nephew of a good friend of mine.  He has a regular rider, a girl called MĂ©lisande, the daughter of another friend.  They have a real rapport
”
“I see
  When I heard about it I found the idea rather amusing, for some reason.”
“Oh, you did?  I’m pleased.  Did Thomasina tell you about yesterday?”
“Yesterday?  Sunday?  What happened yesterday?”
“Ah
  Clearly she hasn’t.  Well, I should probably let her tell you.  But she actually rode Ponyboy.  She did several circuits of the courtyard of the Old House on him.”
“She did?” 
“Yes.  She’s a very accomplished horsewoman.  She was a little free with the whip, perhaps
  But Ponyboy was being a bit naughty.  Probably thought he could take advantage of her.  She soon put him straight on that.”
“She hasn’t mentioned it.  Not yet, at least.”
“Well I put her in charge of the pony rides, you see.  From now on our Ponyboy’s going to spend most Sunday afternoons giving pony rides for charity.  So I thought she should see what it feels like to ride a boy-pony.  I think she had quite enjoyed it, actually...”
“Goodness!  She didn’t say a word!  She’s such a modest girl.  Perhaps even a little shy
”
“Well, I know.  That’s why I decided to try to bring her out a little.  So I gave her a special rather eye-catching riding outfit to wear for supervising the pony rides.  Would you like to see a photo?”
She scrolled through her phone and handed it to Lady Middiford, who stared, gasped, and stared some more.”
“Is that
?”
“Latex?  Yes, Edith.  I hope I didn’t overstep the mark.  But actually she adapted very well, and simply got on with her job.  I was so impressed.”
“So that’s what the smell was!”
“Sorry?”
“She must have been wearing it under her clothes this very morning!”
“Really?”
“The cheeky monkey!  Without telling me!”
“I thought it would suit her, and force her to overcome her self-consciousness.  She didn’t seem to mind the attention, anyway.  I’m sorry.  I should have consulted you first,  But
”
“No, Violet.  It’s fine.  I’m just amazed she had the confidence
”
“It fitted her like a glove.”
“I can see
  So, she was wearing it this morning, too
  Oh my god, she’ll be wearing it to school!”
“Really?  Oh dear
  She must like it more than I realised
”
“If her teacher finds out...  My goodness, how could she be so silly?”
“Well, she’s got good taste.  Our supplier – Fantastex – lives up to their name.  The latex is top quality.  They made Ponyboy’s pony suit, and they dress our boot boys.  Tell her that if she intends to take a more active part in the life of the Centre, I’d be only too happy to get Cynthia – that’s the boss - to make her whatever outfits she wants.
“That’s very kind, Violet
  I never imagined my innocent daughter would
.”  She shook her head slowly.  “I mean, a latex catsuit?    Today’s been quite a revelation for me, one way and the other
”
“Well she has a perfect figure.  In fact Cynthia thought she'd be ideal for modelling some of their products.  I don't know if she'd be up for that...”
“Modelling?  Modelling latex?  I need to get my head around this.  Wait till I see her tonight!  I’ll have some very pertinent questions for her
”
“Actually I think doing some modelling would really help her confidence.”
“Yes
  I suppose it would
”  She took a deep breath.  “Violet.  You mentioned the boot boys.  Thomasina told me something about them.  There’s two of them, right?”
“Well, yes.  Bobby and Timmy.  Actually they’re doing rather well
”
“Is it true that these boys
how old are they?”
“Seventeen.”
“Yes, seventeen. It is true that these seventeen-year-old boys are employed just for the purpose of cleaning and polishing riding boots?”
“Yes
  And other boots too, sometimes
”
“Which they do while the owners are wearing them?”
“Usually, yes
”
“On their knees?”
“Well
yes
”
“What are they like?”
“Well, Edith, if you care to take a look at that picture on the wall behind the door
  Yes, that one with the red frame
  You’ll be able to see both boys wearing their uniforms
  They’re also made by Fantastex.”
Edith rose and approached the picture.  Bobby and Tim, both in their pageboy outfits, holding hands outside the boot parlour, and looking rather self-conscious.  She stared at it
then turned and smiled.
“It’s such a clever idea!  They must be very popular
  I can’t think of a better job for two good-looking young guys like that.  They look so sweet, too
”
“Yes.  It’s been good for the Centre, and the boys are well-paid, and that’s aside from the tips.  But in any case they enjoy their work, and are very polite and respectful.  Why don’t you book a session?  Just call at reception and book a date.”
“Oh, don’t worry.  Now I’ve heard a bit more about them, now I’ve seen this photo, I intend to.  This was your idea?”
“I’m afraid it was
”
“You’re a woman after my own heart.”
“We also hire them out by the day for general domestic service.”
“Excellent!  I used to employ a maid myself at one time
”
“Funny you should say that, but there’s an agency
  ESDS – Egerton’s Special Domestic Services – which might be just up your street.  This is run by another friend of mine, Cassandra Egerton.  Actually I’m a sort of partner.  The website’s private – you’d need to be an approved member – of course we can easily arrange that - but I can show you a brochure
”
She reached into a drawer I her desk and produced a leaflet, which she handed to Lady Middiford.  On the front was a picture of a boy in maid’s uniform holding a feather duster.  She stared.
“Oh my god
  He’s so cute
  What’s his name?  Philip!  And this one inside
  Darren!  They’re so sweet!  So, I could actually hire these as maids?”
“What, Edith?  You want two?”
“No!  Now don’t be naughty, Violet.  You know that’s not what I mean.  Either one would be lovely.  And they look so happy!  It would brighten my day just to have either one around.  They wouldn’t actually have to do anything.  Well, they could serve drinks, I suppose...   And do some dusting with those little feather dusters...   But it would be such fun just having them around.”
“I’ll speak to Cassandra and get you access to the site.  She’s away for a few days, so it won’t be till the end of the week.  Actually Tim - he's the one on the right in that picture I gave you - Tim's just starting maid training there.  It takes about a month to get them to a sufficient standard, but then I hope he'll be on the website too.  Oh, I’m so glad you called in, and that you approve of our little projects.”
“Oh, Violet, so am I.  It’s been such a pleasure to meet you.  We seem to have so much in common.  We must get together soon for a good old chinwag.  I’ll invite you for dinner, if you’d like to come
”
“I’d love to.”
“Wonderful!  And tonight I’m going to ask Thomasina all about Sunday!  Especially about her new outfit!  Perhaps she was just too embarrassed to mention it
”