“I do hear,” he declared, “that there is to be a small reception at the Eastwoods on Saturday evening. I must mention, however…well, that is to say…they are very lively.” His voice appeared hoarse, his visage strained.
“I have so heard also, Papa, but that is to the good is it not; for we mean to enjoy ourselves,” replied Elaine who could scarce conceal a smile of victory.
“Yes, my pet, but…”
“Then it is settled, Papa. Besides, I have a topping idea. We will apprise Mama that we are attending a seance. You know how such things fret her and that she will have nothing to do with such events. Oh dear, I have no kerchief about me and must fetch one. Pray excuse me!”
With that she was gone, leaving me in full knowledge of the fact that it was but an excuse whereby I might wheedle the more into her Papa's favours. Alone with him, however, I knew not what to say and felt my tongue quite twisted. He for his part appeared ruminative and frequently on the verge of saying something which he could not bring himself to speak. I surmised, of course, what was on his mind and finally found voice as we came upon a rustic seat outside a summerhouse where he seemed as pleased to rest as I.
“As to the-er-reception, my dear, I fear that neither Elaine nor your sweet self know of the nature of such- er-functions,” he observed hesitantly.
“Oh yes, we are fully apprised, Uncle. There is dancing and music and general merriment such as perhaps may not take place at more formal gatherings. Be certain that we are fully prepared to enter into the spirit of things.”
Had I spoken too boldly? His eyes searched mine-his hand encompassed mine where it lay on my lap. So far from imagining it, I felt his knuckles graze not unpleasurably against my belly where I had inadvertently parted my thighs a little. Wearing as I was a light summer gown with naught but a chemise and stockings beneath, the warmth of my body in such an intimate region communicated itself to his hand immediately.
“Yes, my dear, but there is a certain-er-freedom…”
He appeared to have difficulty in finding words. I interrupted him sweetly.
“Society puts upon us, does it not?” I replied. Keeping my lips parted I gazed at him with such lustrous innocence that he knew not how to answer and indeed made no attempt to do so in words for with the swiftness of a swallow his mouth came upon mine, causing me at first to hold my breath.
“How young you are-you know not what you are at,” he murmured, though appearing to do so himself by passing his hand up until it all but encompassed my left titty. Responsive as my nipples have always proved, he was in but seconds in no doubt of their springiness which made itself apparent through my gown. I gulped, I swallowed. Even so I made no attempt to avert either my mouth or his hand which wandered first from one mound to the other and weighed the gelatinous hillocks amourously.
“Oh, you must tell me what you mean, please,” I begged as our lips parted.
Appearing then to realise where his hand was, he placed it instead upon my upper thigh where his fingers savoured the ridging of my stocking top through the fine cotton of my dress.
“I meant not to kiss you-yet how delicious you are,” he muttered. His desire to be encouraged was obvious.
“Dear Uncle, if you mean to kiss me, you shall, for I see no harm in it. It is not a very wicked thing to do, is it?”
“Nor this?”
With something of an eager grin he replaced his cupping hand, this time upon my other breast, allowing it to swell in his grasp as had its neighbour. Glancing swiftly down at his breeches I saw that he was well-armed for an amourous conflict but felt certain that he would not attempt one at this time.
“I cannot call it wicked, Uncle, for it feels pleasant. Do wicked things feel unpleasant? There will not be unpleasantry at the reception, will there?”
“One may gauge it so or one may gauge it not, Arabella. The most wicked things are invariably the most pleasant. Even so, I hesitate still to take you there for your innocence will be confounded and undone, I fear.”
“Oh!” I ejaculated and pursed my lips so prettily thereby that he could not help but lavish more kisses upon me, all of which I received with a certain coy pleasure while wondering muchly whether Elaine intended me to draw him out upon the subject or not. I could find no words, however, to frame a question in such a way that would not betray my foreknowledge. Making great play of being petulant and sulky, I pushed his hand away. “Then I shall not let you kiss me, for if we do not go we shall not have any fun,” I exclaimed, leaving him much in the dark as to what I knew or did not know. Seemingly, however, he was satisfied since, having made several attempts to dissuade us both from our course there would be no one to blame but ourselves. Thus guile did win the day, and thereupon also did Elaine reappear.
“How flushed you look, Arabella! Has Papa been at you?” she asked merrily in a manner that could be construed by two meanings. His pego stuck up so visibly in his breeches that she could no more fail to see it than I. At her remark he flushed heavily and told her not to speak nonsense for he had-he said carefully-no need whatever to upbraid me.
Coming then, as I felt it tactful to do to his support, I averred that we had been talking together very nicely and that he had finally given his full assent to our attendance on the Eastwoods.
“Why then, we shall all have fun,” Elaine said as she smiled artlessly. “I have told Mama, so there is no hindrance to the matter. We may even be late in returning if we wish for I have had her believe that the spirits do not rise well before midnight.”
This remark causing us all to laugh, though not in an unkindly manner, eased the atmosphere much, though a certain agitation evidenced itself in my uncle who upon some excuse soon made his departure, walking with a rather curious gait. I had no doubt that he would have been pleased to accompany me alone to the Eastwoods' private party, but was anxious at the intended presence of his daughter. Indeed, the matter appeared to have played upon his mind for that selfsame day he succeeded in cornering me in a passageway upstairs close to my room, saying that he would have converse with me. A nearby linen closet being unattended I allowed myself to be escorted within, my uncle closing the door with solemn mien.
On either side of us were shelves upon which sheets and towels and other necessities were stored. The space between was such that we were brought to stand close together, I making no demur when he passed his arms about my waist and drew me against him.
“My dear Arabella, my sweet child, there is a matter of some import I must convey to you. It concerns the reception which you and Elaine would have us attend.”
“Yes, of course, Uncle, what frets you? Oh, what a pretty kiss! Have you brought me in here only for this?”
“No, my pet, but you are truly irresistible and therein lies the crux of the affair, as much also as it appertains to Elaine who is as thoroughly excitable and carefree as yourself, but knows not the consequences thereof.”
“Pray do tell me, then, for naught shall pass my lips of what is said here,” I replied with great solemnity while he, passing his hand down from my waist, made bold to caress the rondeur of my bottom.
“There are country pleasures of which you know not, Arabella. The guests on such occasions are given to great frivolity. I hesitate to say to what extent. Suffice perhaps to tell you in all confidence-and such of course must never reach the ears of my dear wife-that the ladies are given to doffing much of their attire, as also are the gentlemen. There follows much amourous play, of course, for in select and well-chosen company such is accepted as a pleasurable pastime and no ill is thought of it. You see my dilemma?”
I feared at first to speak, not so much out of modesty but because in speaking he had slowly gathered up my skirt at the back and-first fondling my bared thighs and the sleek silk of my stockings-succeeded in cupping my bottom cheeks which protruded boldly upon his hand. Appearing much confused I pressed myself as if protectively against him and hid my face. My drawers being of fine batiste permitted the warmth of my derriere to exude over his hand which searched the hillocks somewhat feverishly. It was an amusing situation, for I swear that the poor man was struggling twixt desire and the need to advise me of my future fate, as also that of Elaine whom clearly he knew little despite her occasionally bold manner.