Velvet Collars

All characters engaging in sexual behavior are over the age of eighteen.

Hello again. I'm trying something new and doing a bit of world-building for this story. So you will have to forgive me if it takes a little while to get to the naughty bits. In this world, oil is a rare and precious thing, thus the world has not moved past the age of the steam engine. But time and fashion have moved on, leaving the Victorian period behind and embracing less conservative styles.

Velvet Collars

Marcus stood in the back of the room alongside a beautiful older woman, who was watching the last of the ingenue cross the auction stage. The seats were filled with prospective dommes who watched the young men and women of noble birth cross the block. Young people who will begin their adulthood in servitude and training of a dominie or dominus. The raven-haired woman glanced at him and smiled, pointedly ignoring the fact that he stood before her wearing only a white silk breechclout. His symbol of innocence. Her tight black dress, heels, and jewelry spoke of a woman of wealth. Her hairdo and perfect makeup spoke of a woman with confidence and style.

He spotted his mother, Lady Mariana, making her way towards them with a big smile. "Lucinda!" she cried as she approached, opening her arms wide to embrace Marcus's companion. As usual, many eyes followed the beautiful blonde woman. After they parted, his mother turned to him and hugged him tightly.

"It was a princely sum she paid for you, my son," she whispered in his ear. All he could do was nod in response before she turned back to the dark-haired woman. As a pair of noble ladies, they were as different as night to day. Where Marianna was fair, tall and lean, Lucinda was of medium height, dark of complexion and all curves, busty and hippy in a way Marcus couldn't help but admire. He couldn't believe his luck to attract such a woman to be his dominie.

"Lucy, I thought you were going to take a young woman this time. You promised that you'd bring her over to our bourg and give me a night I'll never forget!" his mother said with a feigned pout. She waved a hand towards Marcus. "I can hardly do that if you've taken my son as your devotee."

Lucinda laughed and laid a hand on her tall friend's arm. "I'm sorry Mary, when I saw your handsome boy, I couldn't help myself." Marcus blinked hard. He could count on one hand the people his mother allowed to call her Mary. His late father hadn't even been one.

Mariana was beaming as she bowed her head. "Well, thank you for your generosity. What you paid will be an excellent dowry for him."

Marcus couldn't help but agree. Together with the dowry of whatever wife he chose as his bride, they would start off well. His mother glanced over at the dais as the last young woman was led off. His mother sighed.

"I'm glad they affirm the devotee's sexual orientation before the auction, now." She looked back at her friend. "I wish they had done that back when I crossed that stage."

Marcus nodded to himself. It was only since the use of the truth serum did the noble houses begin asking such questions. He could still feel the effect of it as he stood there. His father had taken his wife's lesbianism with good grace, though. It was one of Mariana's favorite stories of her husband, and Marcus had heard it many times.

Casting off the restrictions of monogamy, they settled into an easy friendship, allowing each to enjoy their lives as they saw fit, as long as no shame was brought to the family. With one addendum to the agreement. An heir to the noble house of Gavin.

Marcus shifted from one foot to another. The room was kept cool on purpose, he thought, and his nipples were aching and goosebumps stood out on his arms. Lucinda noticed his discomfort and smiled at her friend. "Well, I think I should get my new servant to the house and warm him up."

Mariana nodded and turned back to her son. She stepped forward and hugged him again before stepping back to look into his eyes. "I am so proud of you. I wish your father was alive to see this. To have a countess take you as a devotee is a great honor. He would be proud too." She paused, then added. "I know I complain sometimes about having had to marry your father when it wasn't in my... nature. But seeing the man you have become now at twenty years old," she leaned in and whispered the rest. "I wouldn't change a thing."

***

A chill wind blew over the cobblestone street and swirled Countess Lucinda's dress around her knees. She shivered and pulled her pink sweater around her shoulders before remembering the nearly naked young man at her side. He stood there barefooted, stoically refusing to let his discomfort show outwardly. Marcus was a fine-looking man, she thought. A little over six feet, he was square shouldered and lean, with a fine physique that spoke of speed and agility. According to his finishing school transcript, he had excelled at fencing and equestrianism. They might be outdated skills in some people's eyes, but the discipline it takes to excel at either speaks of a person. His handsome face still held just a hint of boyishness, which gave him an approachable look that she found very appealing. His short brown hair and soft brown eyes, passed to him by his noble father, made her want to cuddle him to her like a teddy bear. Lucinda smiled and then looked at the driver of her great auto-carriage.

"Gaius, your road cloak, if you please," she said to the gaunt, mustachioed man in the driver's seat. A great panel of meters and gauges was to his left, and the brass control levers were set before him, to either side. He snatched a deep red cloak from a cubby behind his head and handed the folded garment to the countess.

Marcus sighed as she opened the cloak and spread it across his shoulders. It was thick and warm. He took a moment to admire the gleaming vehicle.

"How long before we're up to pressure, Gaius?" asked the Countess.

The driver glanced at the gauges and moved a control lever. "About two minutes." The magnificent auto-carriage was designed after an old horse-drawn carriage. Except the horse in this case was a splendid beast of a machine in steel and brass, in the shape of an immense destrier. He could see the red glow of the trilatium chamber that powered the great boiler through the air intake grill, and steam blew from the nostrils of its proud head. Instead of legs, it rolled on four large iron wheels wrapped with two inches of grayish rubber, with two more supporting the carriage in back.

"Is there anything we need before we return home?" she asked, glancing into her purse.

"Countess!"

Marcus heard a male voice call from further down the street. They both glanced northward to see a handsome man walking towards them. He was dressed in a silk shirt with a banded collar, a paisley vest, and dark gray trousers. He walked toward them briskly, with his silver tipped cane held in his right hand. At his left side was a petite young blonde woman, trying her best to keep up with his impressive strides. Her tiny feet were bare on the sidewalk.

"Nigel!" Lucinda exclaimed as they approached. "How lovely to see you!"

The man was on the north side of forty years old, Marcus could see. Broad shouldered and narrow-waisted. But it was the tiny blonde that captured his attention. Like himself, she was nearly entirely naked but for her white silk breechclout and her dominus's gray sports coat draped over her shoulders. She held it closed with her hands against the early spring chill, but he could still see the valley of her ample cleavage. Her blue eyes captured his dark ones, and they smiled shyly at one another. She was exquisite, he thought, with skin like alabaster.

He was dimly aware of Lucinda introducing him to the man, but captured by the young girl's beauty, he didn't respond until he felt a sharp slap to the back of his head. "Pay attention, boy!" she growled.

"I... I'm sorry, Dominie! I..." Marcus stammered, bowing his head.

Lucinda straightened and introduced him again to Lord Nigel. This time Marcus acted appropriately, meeting Nigel's eyes for just a moment and then bowing at the waist to about forty-five degrees and inclining his head. "Pleased to meet you, sir."

Lord Nigel laughed heartily. "Well met, young man. You might not remember me, but we have met before. I was a friend of your father's. Like Countess Lucinda's late husband and so many other noble sons, his loss is felt in our community. And I will forgive you for your moment of distraction." He turned to his blonde companion. "She is beautiful, is she not?"

Marcus lifted his gaze and met the young woman's again. Nigel cleared his throat and continued. "Countess, may I introduce my devotee, Miss Kathleen?" The young woman dropped into a curtsy before the Countess, though she had no skirts to spread.

Lucinda stepped toward the young blonde and took her chin in her hand, smiling confidently at the young woman. "My, she is quite the pretty thing, isn't she, Marcus?"

Marcus definitely thought so. "Yes, Dominie." He caught his breath when the Countess leaned in and placed a sweet kiss on the girl's lips, much to the surprise of the young lady.

Nigel chuckled and feigned an exasperated sound. "See now Countess! You have taken her first kiss from me."

The Countess turned and stepped up to the man and turned her face up to his. He bent and the Countess kissed him hard for several seconds. "There, now I have returned it. But really Nigel, innocent she may be, but do you really think she's never been kissed?"

Nigel waved his hand and bowed, surrendering to her point. "I'm certain you are right. In any case, I look forward to our customary visits to compare notes on our devotees."

The Countess lifted the hem of her dress, revealing a fair bit of a shapely thigh, and curtsied. "As do I, Lord Nigel."

***

Marcus shivered as he sat on the soft leather couch inside the auto-carriage. The cab was much more comfortable, warmed by the hot air from the boiler. Countess Lucinda gazed at him with a thoughtful smile. "Do you have questions for me, young man?"

Marcus had been well coached by his mother on what to do on his first day. "Yes, Ma'am. How shall I address you?"

Lucinda smiled and then dipped into her purse. "In public, Dominie Lucinda, if you please. But at home or in private, just Dominie will suffice." She smiled seductively at him. "In more intimate situations, other things." It made her smile to see a shudder pass through the young man.

Marcus studied the woman before him. Just a hand-span over five feet tall, she was a fine figure of a woman. In her early to mid forties, he supposed, but her olive skin still had a youthful glow about it. Her hair was black and lustrous and her eyes were dark and full of mystery.

From her purse, Lucinda pulled a red velvet collar. She held it out with both hands towards him. Marcus knew what to do. He pushed the cloak off his shoulders onto the cushions and then spun to kneel with his back to her on the floor of the coach. The collar had a golden griffon embroidered on it, the Countess's family crest, along with a single vertical stripe near the gold buckle.

After his collar was buckled on, he felt his dominie's hands caress down over his shoulders. "So like your father," she said, almost to herself. He spun once again and knelt before her, his head bowed.

"You knew my father?" he asked softly.

Fumbling again in her purse, she nodded. "Yes, your dad and I were 'playmates' after finishing primary school. We had some fun for a summer and then he went off to his finishing school, and I, mine."

Marcus nodded, well aware that 'playmates' referred to lovers who had not engaged in actual penetrative sex.

"By the time I saw him again, he was already wed to your mother, who was also a dear friend." She stifled a yawn and set her purse aside. "Now, let us rest. It is a two-hour trip home and I'm sure it will be a long day for both of us."

Lucinda held up a small vial that Marcus recognized as a twin to the one he'd been given that morning. "It is an unfortunate thing that the truth potion takes so long to take effect and doesn't last for but an hour or so. Drink this and when we get home, you and I will have a little chat. Now rest, my handsome devotee."

"Yes Dominie," Marcus said as he quaffed the small vial of pink liquid.

***

In his mind, Marcus had been expecting some sort of grand old manor that was the norm for nobility, especially those living in the countryside. This was nothing like that. It was just a single story, built of white marble, with grand columns leading far into what appeared to be some sort of courtyard. Lucinda noted her devotee's interest.

"The family manor burned to the ground when I was a girl. My father was an investor in the development of trilatium, and had one of the first of such boilers put in the home. Sadly, it was before the alloy was perfected." Her voice sounded a little sad, but then she straightened and smiled. "Then he had this built at enormous expense, but I find it a brighter and more cheery place than some old brick manor house, don't you think?"

Marcus agreed it did and said so. In front of the Roman-looking home stood an older woman in servant's garb, and two well-dressed men. As they pulled up, one of the men, a short but broad fellow in his thirties, opened the carriage door and bowed. "Countess."

Lucinda stepped out and past the man. "Thank you, Harrison," she said before stepping into the embrace of the other man. The resemblance to Lord Nigel was striking, and shortly he would learn that they were indeed cousins. She kissed the man warmly and then stepped back, revealing Marcus as he stepped from the coach.

"Eugene, this is Marcus. Marcus, this is my consort, Eugene."

Marcus stepped forward and again bowed. "Pleased to meet you, sir."

Lucinda stepped up to him, and pulled the road cloak from his shoulders, revealing his nearly naked body. She handed the cloak to the Rubenesque woman. "Marcus, this is Darla, my head housemaid." She caught his eye and her expression became serious. "You will obey her as you would me, though there are some things she will not ask of you." Lucinda smiled suggestively. "At least at first."

Marcus examined the older woman. Her graying hair was put up in a demure bun and she was smiling widely at Marcus, examining every inch of him. The maid was a little taller than the Countess, but was of a much fuller figure, with massive breasts held behind a collared blue blouse with a white lacey apron. Her skirt fell just below her knees and she wore a sensible leather work shoe, contrasting to the high heels worn by her matron.

"Dear, you certainly have an eye for strapping young men," Eugene said with a chuckle. "I hope he wasn't too expensive." Marcus looked again at his dominie's consort. It wasn't unusual for widows to take a live-in lover or companion, especially after the great war had made so many widows, like his own mother.

Marcus could see no guile or jealousy in the older man's face, who was grinning.

"He was very expensive." The Countess stated with a laugh. "But I'm positive he will serve well."

He bent and kissed her again. "I'm sure you're right." He glanced between the Countess and Marcus again. "As you undoubtably have a full evening ahead of you, I will spirit out and play some cards at the club. And then polo at Wilby's tomorrow morning."

The Countess smiled and stepped aside so that he could walk towards the carriage. "Enjoy, darling."

The four of them walked into the home, and he found the courtyard was quite large and held the family garden. A young woman was tending the plot, digging up weeds that had managed to take root since the last year's harvest. She wore a khaki blouse and women's trousers of the same color. The woman tipped her straw sun hat and smiled at them as they walked by. "Good afternoon, Countess."

Lucinda waved and smiled as she stopped and looked at Marcus. "You and Amanda will grow to be great friends, I'm sure, as you will spend a lot of time out here with her." She glanced at her to other servants. "As well as Harrison and Darla."

Marcus just nodded, as if it was expected. As a boy, he had once teased a young man who worked in his father's fields, belittling him for his station in life. His father was enraged by his ungentlemanly behavior and had removed him from school before setting him to work with the farm hand all day, every day, and living with the other workers in the bunkhouse for a month. The lesson had taught him humility and a deep appreciation for the work of his family's employees. If the farm work had been physically challenging, catching up with a month of school work had been harder.

At the front door, Lucinda turned to Darla. "Please see him bathed and shaved. Bring him to my chambers in an hour."

The maid nodded and guided the young man gently towards the grand front doors, which were an ornate mixture of wrought iron, wood, and glass. Marcus pulled the heavy door open, which swung easily on steel hinges, and they entered the home before turning sharply down a hall and away from the Countess and her butler. The ceilings were very high, reinforcing the idea of an ancient Roman estate. He felt the pale marble cool beneath his feet. "The house is not so large as it appears. Six bedrooms and eight baths." Darla said with a touch of pride in her voice. Like the outside, the interior was a marvel of polished stone in contrasting hues and patterns. Long carpets covered the floors, and paintings and tapestries covered the walls, damping down the echo that a hall like this would ordinarily have. Electric lights gave everything a warm glow that Marcus quite liked.

Entering a bathroom with a large claw-footed tub, the curvy woman turned the spigots on and added a scented oil to the water. Marcus stood there as she balanced the hot and cold spigots to achieve the proper temperature until the woman turned to him with a frown. "Well, don't just stand there. Getcher knickers off, boy!"

Marcus jumped and shyly removed the breechclout. Darla pointed to a hamper. "Put it there, I'll wash it and get it to the Countess." Marcus was about to ask why the Countess would want it, when she pointed to the tub. "Get in now, there's soap. Wash yourself like yer to be introduced to the Queen." Her eyes traveled down his naked body and an appreciative smile appeared on her face. She saw his hand tremble. "Nervous, boy?"

The truth serum kicked in and his feelings just gushed out of him. "Oh gods, yes! What if she doesn't like me after having paid so much? What if I make a fool of myself? What if..."

"Easy now, lad! Easy!" Darla interrupted him. "I've been on the Countess's staff for twelve years and in that time I've seen eight young men and four young ladies naked in this tub. Just keep your mouth closed," she smiled knowingly. "Unless it's needed for something fun, and keep your ears open. Do as you're told and keep your wits about you, and you'll do fine."

After he was finished bathing, Darla stepped out of her uniform and shoes, standing before him in just a bra and cotton panties. Her breasts were massive, bigger by far than the single pair he'd seen and touched in his lifetime. He imagined his two hands holding each globe, his fingers sinking into her soft flesh. She walked to the sink and added some shaving soap and water to a mug and began whipping it into a lather. The woman hummed a little tune and her big, round ass bounced with the beat in her head. He felt blood rushing into his cock and thanked the gods he was sitting in a foot of water.

Darla walked up and waved up with her hand. "Okay, now stand up and we'll get yer fun parts sorted."

Marcus swallowed and gripped the side of the tub. "Excuse me?"

The feisty maid held up a gleaming straight razor. "The Countess prefers her devotees entirely shorn down yonder." She glanced down at his cock under the soapy water. She could see the trepidation in his eyes, that everyone with an ounce of sense should have when someone approaches their private parts with a razor.

"Don't worry now. I've never left a nick on any of your predecessors. I even do this for her ladyship when she asks."

Marcus slowly rose and revealing his throbbing erection. Darla's wide smile made him relax a little. "A fine healthy lad." She said as she threw a leg over the side and stepped into the tub with him. The tub was high sided at one end like the prow of a ship and she pointed at the low end and told him to sit on the edge with his legs spread.

Darla drained the water until only a few inches remained, then set a folded towel in the tub to kneel upon. Working carefully, she lathered the strip of hair from his navel to his cock and then his entire pubic region. "Now, you keep still and let me work my magic and we'll both get through this."

Taking hold of his hard cock with her fingers, she maneuvered it this way and that, to make it easier for her to shave. Staring town her magnificent cleavage, there wasn't the slightest chance of his erection subsiding, razor or no, which didn't seem to bother Darla in the slightest.

"So what did you study in finishing school?" she asked as she worked, referring to the two year vocational school that young men attend after finishing primary school at eighteen. "Aside from the manly crap. Horseback riding, fencing, shooting and such." He smiled, remembering that was just how his mother had referred to the skills that society still believed every gentleman should know.

"Engineering and metallurgy," he replied with a smile.

In short order, his cock and balls were as bare as the day he was born. The housekeeper's hand was deft and precise. Darla stepped out and drained the water from the tub before refilling it. "Now you finish washing up, then get out, dry off and shave your face in that sink there. I'll be back in ten minutes."

Darla glanced again at Marcus's freshly shaved manhood and smiled on her way out. She knew it would be some time before the young man visited her chambers, but she was surely looking froward to it.

***

Fifteen minutes later, Darla reappeared and walked him entirely naked through the house, introducing him to all the staff. His mother had warned him that this was customary, and he did his best to get through it. She equated it with the mental conditioning a soldier would go through in training. "You must lose your inhibitions, your sense of unease at being admired, or the shame of being naked and defenseless before others. In the end, it will help you become a better man."

Darla took him past his own room in the servant's quarters, then pointedly identifying which room was her own. Their last stop was the Countess's chambers on the other side of the grand house.

She opened the door and ushered him through into a lady's sitting room. It was gaily painted in pinks and white, and the furniture looked comfortable and expensive.

The Countess was seated before a desk and she wrote in a ledger with a fountain pen. Her dark hair was still damp from her bath, though it was brushed and lay over her shoulders. Her makeup was fresh, and she looked alluringly at him as he entered.

She rose and motioned him to the seat in front of her desk with a wave of her hand. "Please have a seat. Let's have a chat, you and I." Marcus couldn't take his eyes off her. She wore an entirely sheer blue negligee and panties. Nothing was left to the imagination. As she sat back down, she crossed her left leg over her right, and a matching marabou slipper dangled from her toes.

"I take it the serum is in full effect?" Marcus nodded, remembering how he'd spoken to Darla in the bathroom.

"Good, then let's cut to the chase here. You wouldn't be the first nobleman's son to bribe his way through the testing before the auction, so..." She looked him in the eye. "You are straight?" she asked. "No inclinations toward men?"

"Yes, Dominie. And, no."

Lucinda nodded. "And you are a virgin? Never having known a woman's vagina with your cock?"

"Yes, Dominie, I am."

Lucinda breathed a small sigh of relief. "Have you been sexual 'playmates' with anyone?"

Beginning to sweat, Marcus nodded again. "Yes, Dominie."

"With whom?"

He squirmed in his seat. "My mother's bookkeeper."

Lucinda laughed delightedly. "What did you do with her?"

Marcus shrugged. "Everything we could with our fingers and mouths."

The Countess smiled. "Did you want to fuck her? Did you want to push your hard cock into Connie's old quim? To make her cum on your shaft?"

"Yes!" He answered excitedly, knowing his cock was twitching madly in front of this beautiful mature woman who just exuded confidence, elegance and sexuality.

Her smile turned thoughtful. "And what of me? Do you find me attractive?" She rose and let him have a good look at her body. "Do you want to put your cock in me? Make me cum?"

Marcus's mouth dropped open, and his eyes were wide. "Yes, Dominie! So... so much! I can't..." the young man nearly yelled. Lucinda could see pre-cum dripping copiously down his shaft. He seemed almost desperate to articulate his desires, but words seemed to fail him. She wasn't surprised. It was a bit of a failing by the serum. It worked best for yes and no questions. Sometimes she wished she could get more of it, but it was a strictly controlled substance with only one dose given to a dominie or dominus, for just such an interview. Starting with pure honesty, seemed to produce much better results for all involved.

But what it did to young men and women when faced with their desire was a thing of beauty. Their bodies and mind respond honestly, without anxiety or fear. Sadly, the effects made them entirely too sensitive and prone to over-stimulation.

She rose and walked to the young man, dragging her fingers over his shoulders, and she moved to the other side. "Does it please you to know that I am attracted to you as well? You are a fine-looking man."

She felt the young man tremble beneath her fingers. "Y-yes, Dominie!"

Lucinda smiled and then tilted his head up toward her. She kissed him lovingly on the lips, then whispered in his ear. "Good." She bent close to him, pressing her full breasts to his youthful face, as she reached down for his iron-hard cock.

She caressed his cheek with her right hand as she stroked him with her left. "Do you want to cum for me? Show your dominie what a virile young man you are?"

"YES!" Marcus nearly screamed. After just a few strokes, his hips lifted off the fine chair and geysers of cum fountained from his cockhead. "Oh, gods! You're so sexy, Dominie! Thank you so much for choosing me!" he wailed as he came, his eyes boring into hers.

Lucinda sighed and smiled delightedly at the honest outburst. She kissed him hard as she felt the last spurts ooze over her hand.

"You are very, very welcome."

***

Marcus awoke in his chambers, naked in the sheets. His room was small, with a narrow bed, dresser, wardrobe, and nightstand. A few books sat on a small lone shelf on the wall. He threw his legs over and sat, glancing out the windows. It was just before dawn. He'd become accustomed to rising early at finishing school and he was confident it would be a requirement here as well.

There was a knock on his door, and then it opened, revealing a rather severe looking woman. Her features were hawkish and her blue eyes were piercing. Unlike Darla, she didn't seem interested in his nakedness, but her face relaxed when she saw him awake. "Good, you're up. You'll be starting in my kitchen this morning. I am Petra, the head cook."

Marcus rose and introduced himself. The blonde woman was near fifty, he figured, dressed in a white uniform. She handed him a folded stack of clothing and set a pair of worn work shoes on the floor next to the door. "These should get you through the morning. When the Countess is ready, she'll be taking you into town to get you clothed."

She looked him in the eye. "Do you remember where the kitchens are? Darla showed you last evening, I'm told."

Marcus nodded. "Yes, ma'am."

Petra's face softened, and she smiled. "A polite young man. How refreshing. The Countess's last male devotee thought far too highly of himself for my tastes. But I suppose I could see how being chosen by someone with royal blood could do that to someone." She finally let her eyes examine his naked body, but if she was impressed or repulsed, her expression gave no sign.

After dressing in the loose hand-me-down clothes and shoes, he performed his morning ablutions, remembering to shave once again as Darla had mentioned that he was to be clean shaven every day.

He walked into the kitchen to the amazing smell of baking bread and realized he was fabulously hungry, not having eaten since the previous mid-day. Petra saw his hand stroke his rumbling stomach and pointed at a plate on a nearby counter. "There, boy. Eat."

The plate was heaped with eggs, bacon, and sausage links with an enormous piece of fresh bread. A tub of butter stood nearby. He fell to it with a will and polished off the plate in short order. When he was done, Petra pointed to a deep sink that was filled with hot, soapy water. A stack of dirty plates and pans stood next to it. "You're in there this morning, boy. There's an apron on the door." Petra said, as she continued kneading her dough.

Marcus nodded. "Yes, ma'am." He donned his apron and got to work. A scullery was no stranger to him. Finishing school in his region was run more like the military than some schools elsewhere, where it's little more than a place for spoiled rich boys to spend two years. As he worked, Petra glanced over and smiled. He seemed to be a fine young man and deeply hoped that he would be.

***

Around ten, with the sun shining brightly, he met the Countess at her auto-carriage, who frowned at the baggy work clothes when he stepped into the coach. The great brass horse-engine looked even more impressive as it gleamed in the sunlight.

Marcus looked down at his pruned fingers from spending the morning in a sink of hot water. He looked up to find the Countess studying him. "Do you know your clothing sizes?" she asked. When he told her he did, she smiled. "Is there anything your mother did not do to prepare you for your first week?"

He smiled back. "My mother stopped just short of hiring a courtesan to teach me the finer points of cunnilingus."

Lucinda laughed and slapped his knee lightly. She met his eyes and grinned. "It is well she did not. I prefer to do the teaching myself." Her eyes narrowed. "In fact, we may start that this evening."

She looked at him curiously. "Did you lick sweet Connie's pussy?" When he affirmed he had, she nodded. "But did you enjoy it? Did you enjoy her deep, musky scent? Her tangy juices on your tongue?"

She was studying him intently, and she grinned when she saw his hands tremble. "Yes, Dominie. Very much."

She nodded and straightened. "You are going to spend the next one hundred and thirty days in my service. And in that time, I will refine many of the gentlemanly skills you learned in finishing school through practice, socially. And I will teach you how to please your future bride sexually, so that you both enjoy a life filled with love and passion. In nine months, your mother created you, and in half that time, I will make you a man."

"Yes, Dominie," he breathed.

"Now, I'm sure your dear mother told you that you will have sex with others beside myself. You may learn how to please me expertly, but one does not become a virtuoso, playing only one song."

Marcus did not respond, as he wasn't asked a question.

"This includes my staff." The Countess paused to see if Marcus's face revealed any distaste in response to her statement. When she found none, she continued. "You have met several of the ladies in my home. Did any displease you?"

Marcus thought hard about the question and then shook his head. Even the stern Petra was attractive in her own right. Tall, fair and far leaner than any head cook had a right to be.

"No, Dominie."

The Countess was dressed in a short blue and white dress that required the crossing of her legs for modesty's sake. A fine cashmere sweater was draped across her shoulders against the morning chill. A string of fine pearls was doubled around her neck and she wore earrings that matched nicely. Her dark hair was in a loose braid that fell over her left ear and down over her shoulder. But it was her fine silk stockings that drew Marcus's eye again and again. The tops of them were just visible, and they made his pulse race. Marcus cleared his throat and spoke, hoping to distract himself. "I like your hair, Dominie. It's very beautiful." And he meant it.

The Countess's eyes showed her pleased surprise. "What a nice compliment. Thank you, Marcus." Then her eyes narrowed. "Your mother did indeed prepare you well."

Marcus chuckled. "Yes, Dominie."

***

The two of them spent the first hour of their day in a fine clothing shop. Marcus was not fit to be seen in polite company as he was currently dressed in the hand-me-down work clothes. Finding him clothes for the day was their first task.

The Countess led him into a menswear store that was off the primary thoroughfares. Marcus supposed that if your services were well known enough, location wasn't as important. A dark-skinned woman with beautiful cinnamon-colored ringlets met them at the door.

"Countess! Thank you for stopping by this morning. Please tell your housekeeper thank you from me for phoning that you'd be stopping by. I brought in two more of my ladies to see to other customers." She glanced at Marcus with an appraising eye. "I will see to you this morning myself."

The Countess smiled and gave the lovely shopkeeper a small curtsey, honoring the woman's efforts. "Thank you, Roberta. You always make me feel so welcome." The shopkeeper was quite beautiful, and she just beamed at the compliment as she motioned towards a curtain on the wall.

"Shall we enter the fitting rooms? I'll bring us a pitcher of mimosas if you'd like?"

"That would be lovely, Roberta, thank you." Lucinda smiled.

The room was hexagonal, with two sides featuring tall mirrors, and the other four, curtained changing cubicles, currently unoccupied. In the center was a round leather settee, trimmed in dark blue velvet. The Countess looked at her charge with obvious distaste. "Please strip out of those awful clothes."

Marcus blinked and pointed down. "Right... here?" His dominie's smile was all the answer he required.

When Roberta re-entered the room, her eyes fell first on the young man's naked body. She could see him twitching uncomfortably as he stood there nude before the two women. The countess did not let her stare for long.

"So, I would like the usual things: fine undergarments, shirts, slacks, sports coats, and a sweater or two." She glanced at Marcus, studying his features. "Our color pallet shall be earth and sky." Setting down the pitcher and glasses, Roberta snatched up a pen and a yellow tablet from a nearby shelf, and began writing swiftly.

"I would prefer open collars and tapered legs," the Countess continued as she walked to a small table and poured two glasses of the fruity drink. When she didn't continue, Roberta set the tablet down and pulled a tailor's measuring tape from a cunningly hidden pocket in her skirt.

The Countess sat on the settee and glanced at the notepad. "You may begin. If I think of anything else, I'll write it down."

Roberta nodded and gestured to a fitting platform. When Marcus stood up on it, she began measuring his naked body. Roberta wore a stylish blue blouse with a plunging neckline that bordered on the risque, and Marcus felt his pulse race as he gazed upon her gleaming dark cleavage. He felt his cock twitch as blood began running to it. Roberta noticed.

She admired Marcus's lean, fit body for a few seconds and then looked up into his hazel eyes with a sly grin. "If I may say so, Countess, you have excellent taste."

Roberta's meaning was not lost on the Countess. "Perhaps... if you'd like, I could have you over soon, and you could have a taste... for yourself."

Roberta inhaled sharply. The Countess had been shopping at the store for many years and had brought several devotees. This was the first time she had ever been invited to such. "I would be honored, Madame."

Lucinda waved her left hand dismissively. "Nonsense, I should have offered long since. Marcus, would you like it if Roberta were to join us at the house for tea?"

The beautiful seamstress looked up at Marcus again to find his cock hard as a bar of iron and his eyes boring into hers. "Very much," he said breathlessly. Being naked before these two beautiful women had made his heart race, and he had to close his eyes to get his imagination under control.

The Countess clapped her hands. "Splendid. Now, we'll need a few pairs of pants and shirts off the rack, so he has something decent until his new wardrobe arrives." She looked at him appraisingly and held her hand to her chin.

"Roberta, I'm going to walk him through the park today. I need something bold and eye catching." Her eyes narrowed. "Something that will be as enticing as a succulent piece of fruit."

Roberta looked at Marcus's naked chest, which was pleasantly muscular, but not overly so. She grinned. "I may have just the thing."

***

When they stepped out of the shop a half hour later, the sun was high and it felt good on Marcus's shoulders. The Countess turned on the sidewalk and looked at the handsome young man. He wore a black pair of fitted trousers and a red satin waistcoat that fell just below his belt. It was a very close match to the shade of his collar and it bared his muscular arms and shoulders. The V of the neckline fell to his breastbone. He would cause quite a stir at the park, where most gentlemen will not yet have switched to short sleeves.

She looked up into his eyes. "I can't wait to watch you with her. Her skin is so dark and beautiful, I can only imagine how she will look pressed against your body." Lucinda glanced down at the bulge in his trousers and reached down to cup it. "My sweet boy. You are wonderfully patient. Tonight I will watch you lick Darla's pussy and then I will see the pressure in these balls released. Does that sound good to you?"

Marcus's eyes fluttered closed and as her hand pressed his cock against his body. "Yes, please, Dominie." The ardent expression drew her like a moth to a flame and she reached up with her other hand and pulled his face to hers. Her lips locked on his and she heard him moan softly. His cock twitched against her hand and she sighed as she broke the kiss.

Normally, she waited at least a few weeks before taking her devotee's virginity. She felt the waiting and anticipation sweetened the act by a magnitude. But she wondered if she could wait that long herself. His boyish on-the-cusp-of-manhood face and honest smiles made her melt a little inside. Indeed, he reminded her not a little of the young man who had won her heart so long ago.

***

Their next stop had been to a shoemaker, where he was fitted with three pairs of fine shoes and a pair of leather work boots. The portly cobbler had nearly bent over backwards in gratitude when the lovely countess entered his shop. So honored he had been that at first he'd refused payment for the shoes entirely. It wasn't until she'd laughingly threatened to have her driver leave the cobbler trussed on the floor with a mouthful of bills.

She'd given the old man a seductive smile. "Some men enjoy that sort of thing, I'm told."

Lucinda and the shoemaker had enjoyed a laugh, nervous on his part, and then he courteously accepted her payment.

***

Clouds gathered overhead as they approached a workman's outfitter store. Marcus would need twice the amount of workingman's clothes as finery, and Mason's Emporium on the waterfront was the best place for such.

Gaius pulled the auto-carriage in front and then opened the door for the Countess and her charge. She looked at her driver and patted him on the shoulder. "Gaius, Marcus and I will walk to the park from here. Go get yourself lunch and a beer and meet us in front of the Palladium at three o'clock."

The old man smiled. "As you wish, my lady, but mind you, stay on the streets and out of the alleys. The waterfront is full of scalawags. There are several ships in the port."

She straightened for a moment and was about to give an imperious retort when she relaxed, knowing the man had only her safety in mind. She nodded. "I'm sure with Marcus, I'll be quite safe. Thank you, Gaius."

Gaius turned to the young man and gave him a dubious look, then nodded and bowed to the Countess and stepped back into the carriage and began tapping at the gauges. A vehicle like hers drew attention on the waterfront and there were many eyes on them.

After spending a half hour in Mason's, they left the store, and the Countess motioned towards a nearby alley. "But what about what Gaius..." Marcus began until the Countess raised an eyebrow at him.

"I will take such talk from him because he's a lovely old man with three daughters. I will not brook such from you, Devotee." She reached up and tugged on his red velvet collar to remind him of his place. "I'm quite familiar with the waterfront, young man." She pointed to the alley. "That is the fastest way to the park, and I've no intention of meandering around all day to get there."

Lucinda turned and walked off down the alley, leaving Marcus hurrying to catch up. The alleys were full of debris from local warehouses and factories. Steam pipes protruded from walls overhead and he could hear the rumblings of heavy machinery within the buildings. After ten minutes of walking, a silhouetted male figure stepped out from behind a stack of old crates. The Countess gasped and stopped in surprise as a second dark figure materialized behind the first.

"Well now, matey, what 'ave we here?" A gravelly voice asked. The figure in the front stepped into a shaft of sunlight and his narrow, ratlike face grinned at them both. It was far from a friendly expression. "Looks like we've got a fine lady, taking a shortcut with her puppy," the second man said in a voice higher pitched than the first. He glanced at the Countess's purse and his smile grew wider.

"Now Milady, a toll if you please. That fine purse and its contents for a start and," his eyes traveled up her body. "Them pearls."

The man in the rear stepped forward, a rough unshaven fellow with unruly dark hair. He was leering at the Countess, and it was clear by his expression that it was not the Countess's jewelry that held his interest. He chuckled wickedly. "Yeah, for a start. It's been an awfully long voyage to go without a woman's warmth." He reached behind his back and pulled out a belaying pin, holding it like a cudgel.

Fear swept through the Countess, and she did her best to banish it. "Now see here! I am a countess, cousin to the Queen herself! You would do well to remove yourself from our pa...!"

Lucinda couldn't finish her statement as Marcus moved lithely in front of her, pushing her backward with his arm. In his hand, he held a splintered plank of wood, no doubt the remains of a broken pallet nearby. He brandished it before him, his teeth bared in a grimace.

The rat-faced man gave a sharp laugh. "See here, mate! The young pup thinks himself a wolf, he does!"

The bigger man chuckled. "So he does," he said, flipping the belaying pin deftly in his calloused hand.

If the thugs expected an angry reply from the young man, they would have been disappointed. Marcus stood his ground, his sharp eyes flicking between his two opponents.

The bigger fellow stepped forward. "You shouldn't think to cross seadogs like Wiley and me. We've sent many a freebooter to a watery grave." He bounced the weapon in his hand, but was a little unnerved by the steely eye from the young dandy and he had a moment of doubt. A fleeting idea that mayhap this bold young man was best left alone, but then his pride got the better of him.

With a grimace and a roar, he stepped forward on his right foot and swung the club up high, intent on dashing the curt look from the young man's face. The belaying pin never fell.

Stepping forward on his left foot, Marcus crossed his body with his improvised weapon, which drew the eye of both men. A fraction of a second later, Marcus's right leg snapped straight out and his foot sank into the soft flesh between the man's breastbone and navel. The air whooshed out of the man in a loud rush and he staggered back, gasping and grasping his belly as his weapon fell to the gravel.

In years to come, Marcus would think back and laugh at the memory of the expression of complete and utter shock on the smaller fellow's face. But it was only there for a moment.

Marcus stepped off and pivoted to his left, bringing the plank back across his body in a blur that sent a knife spinning out of his opponent's hand and down the alley past his groaning friend. The man threw his hands up in front of his face in surprise and was thus completely unprepared when the young man's new shoe buried itself between his legs with a sickening crunch. The man's eyes crossed as his mouth fell open, and he dropped to the ground with a girlish scream.

Marcus didn't dally. He reached back and grasped the Countess's hand and pulled her quickly behind him, past the writhing man. The first man had found some air and was struggling to his feet when Marcus brought the plank down hard over the back of his head, dropping him to the gravel once again. He tossed the remains of the board to the ground and took his Dominie's hand again, hurrying them both down the alley as fast as the Countess and her high-heeled shoes could manage.

Two minutes later, they emerged onto a busy street, and she pulled him beside the stairs of a brownstone apartment. Lucinda wrapped her hands around his ribs and clung tightly, gasping for breath. He pulled her tightly to him, glancing around for any sign of pursuit.

She looked up into his face. "What you did!" she exclaimed. She couldn't keep the amazement from her voice.

Marcus nodded. "I'd never think of fighting so ungentlemanly, but then they weren't gentleman, were they?"

Shocked by the young man's calm demeanor, she laughed. "I should say not!" She looked up into his eyes. "I think I've had enough shopping for today. Would you be too disappointed if we skipped the park?"

***

Gaius scrambled as he saw the Countess and her young man striding briskly toward the car. He shoved his sandwich to the side and scrambled from the vehicle. "Milady! I wasn't expecting you..." The countess interrupted him when she threw her arms around the man and hugged him tightly. He could smell the perspiration on her skin and realized that something untoward had happened. He stiffened in the woman's arms and looked at the tall young man, who gave him a reassuring smile.

Gaius relaxed and patted his employer lightly on her back. "There now. Let's get you home to a nice glass of sherry, shall we?"

Lucinda broke off from her driver and stepped into the coach. Marcus held his hand out to the older man, palm up. "Would you mind?"

The two men looked at each other with understanding when the driver looked down to see a long wood sliver jutting from Marcus's palm below his pinky finger. He nodded, drew off his driving glove and took the young man's hand firmly.

It bled when the sliver was pulled and Gaius pulled his kerchief from his pocket and wrapped it tightly around Marcus's hand. "You see Amanda looks after that, you hear? She's got some wonderful salves and whatnot. Fix you right up."

Marcus nodded and thanked the man. Gaius smiled and chucked the young man on the shoulder.

***

As soon as Marcus entered the coach, he could see that the countess had drawn all the curtains. She got off her cushion and pushed him roughly down on the other seat. With a moan, she straddled his thighs and pressed her body to his, her lips finding his in the low golden light that crept around the edges of the curtains. Her fingers found the buttons of his vest and in seconds she was on to the buttons on his trousers. Her gasping lips kissed his neck. "I want you. Right now," she breathed.

Marcus didn't need to be told twice. He was just as incensed as she was, caught up in the adrenaline and relief after escaping such danger. The countess half stood and, quick as can be, Marcus dragged down his trousers and underwear as the Countess's black lace panties fell around her feet. She leaped upon him again, making Marcus gasp as her vulva pressed forcefully into his rock-hard erection.

Lucinda groaned deeply as she moved his cock out with her fingertips and slipped it between her pussy lips. She was slick there, and they both moaned as his cock pushed upward into her. When her knees sat on the cushion and his cock was fully sheathed within her, she sighed and relaxed in his arms.

She rose and settled again, bathing his cock in her wetness. "You saved me," she whispered. Their eyes met, and she rose and settled again. "Thank you," she said, kissing him passionately.

Marcus had no words as his long held virginity was spirited away into the aether. Her pussy gripped his shaft, and he felt her pelvic muscles squeeze tightly. "Oh, Dominie," he moaned softly into her beautiful black hair.

She grasped his face and gazed into his eyes as she rolled her hips expertly. "I'm guessing this is not how you thought you'd lose your virginity, am I right?" she said with a sly smile.

Marcus could only gasp, bite his bottom lip and nod as her pussy squeezed him again.

She chuckled and took a deep breath, her eyes closing in ecstasy as his cock filled and stretched her. "I could say the same." Her eyes opened. "I have never taken a devotee's virginity so soon." Suddenly, she kissed him fiercely and began slamming down on his cock forcefully enough that the carriage moved on its springs.

"But," she moaned, her voice full of excitement, "I am wildly aroused and you deserve nothing less for your gallant behavior."

Marcus grasped the Countess's thick thighs and kept to himself the fact that he'd been frightened out of his mind throughout the entire ordeal. He watched her full breasts moving beneath her blouse, despite the confines of her brassiere, as she leaned back and thrust her pussy down hard on him. Her eyes never left his face, and she knew before he ever opened his mouth.

"It's okay, sweetie. Let it out, let it all out. Over time, I will teach you ways to delay that moment, but not for a while yet."

Marcus's eyes grew wide. "Oh, Dominie," he moaned and his mouth opened. "I'm going... to...!" he wailed until Lucinda closed his lips with hers, kissing him fiercely as she felt his cock swell and spew cum deep inside her. A warm feeling washed over her and she shuddered in his arms as Marcus laid his head on her shoulder, pulling in great lungfuls of air. They held each other thusly, for some minutes, enjoying the closeness and the motion of the vehicle with his cock still mostly hard inside her. Lucinda laughed as she felt his young cock hardening again and she sat up, letting him slide from her. "As tempting as that is, I think we'll save that youthful energy for this evening's lesson."

Marcus smiled, remembering their earlier conversation, and inclined his head obediently. "Yes, Dominie."

The Countess smiled and caressed his face. "That's a good boy."

***

In the driveway of the Countess's home, Marcus pulled his package of new clothing from the vehicle and turned to Lucinda, awaiting instructions. She saw him and motioned with her head for him to follow her. Marcus fell in step behind her, and before they were far into the house, Darla did the same.

She led them both into her comfortable sitting room where the Countess had given Marcus his truth-serum'd interview. The memory of that evening was muddled in his mind, like trying to gaze through frosted glass.

The sitting room was full of comfortable furniture and full bookcases, and an antique harpsichord was set in the corner with a beautiful golden electric candelabra. There were two sets of double doors. One set open, that led into the Countess's bedchambers, and the other set was closed.

Lucinda tossed her handbag onto her expansive fourposter bed and turned to smile alluringly at her young charge. "So, I'm sure your dear mother has given you some hint on what you will do as my servant."

The emphasis she left on the last word got Marcus's attention. "She told me I'd be working as a member of your household staff. Cleaning and such."

Lucinda looked down and nodded. "Yes, you will be. But you will also act as my personal chambermaid. When I wish it." Marcus noted that Darla's eyes opened wide. The Countess turned with a flourish and continued. "You will dress and undress me. You will bathe me and serve my meals."

She turned back to Marcus. "You will see to the cleanliness of my chambers, changing towels and sheets as needed." She waved toward the maid. "Darla will show you where to find the things you'll need."

The passionate woman that he had been with in the coach after their ordeal was gone, replaced by his dominie. Marcus nodded. "Yes, Dominie."

With a wave, she dismissed the housemaid and glared imperiously at the young man. "Now, undress me. And be careful with my clothes!"

Marcus set to his task, undressing Lucinda. A task which he enjoyed immensely, but he kept it from his face, maintaining a cool countenance. She smiled seductively at him as she sat so that he could roll down her stockings. Lucinda watched her young devotee's eyes drink in every detail of her body as, one by one, silk garments joined others on the dressing stand. When at last she stood gloriously naked before him, Marcus finally got an unobstructed view of her mature body. She was all curves and softness, with wonderful large breasts with wide areolas and nipples like the tip of his pinkie finger. Her vulva was entirely shaved, and while it wasn't a surprise from what Darla had told him the previous night, it was glorious to behold.

When she cleared her throat, his eyes shot up to meet hers. "If you are quite finished ogling me, go run my bath while I take off my makeup."

The adjoining ensuite was lovely with a mosaic tile floor, big mirrors and brass accents everywhere. The centerpiece of the room was an enormous claw-foot tub that was surely big enough for two comfortably.

When the tub was nearly half full of steaming water, the Countess walked in with her hair in a messy bun on top of her head. Seeing her without her makeup was a revelation. It felt like she'd gone from this mature seductress, all sensuality and elegance, to a soft, motherly figure.

She held out her hand to him, and he took it, helping her step into the big porcelain tub. The lovely brunette sat and laid back in the warm water as hot water sloshed back and forth, lapping at her pink pussy. When Marcus reached for the bathing sponge, she laid a hand over his arm. "I have changed my mind. I'd like you to get yourself bathed and then bring me my supper in my sitting room. Bring a plate for yourself."

Lucinda met his eyes, and he couldn't keep the disappointment from them. Washing her body had seemed the epitome of intimacy, and he'd been looking forward to caressing her curves with soapy hands. She smiled. "We have many such nights ahead of us." The Countess lay back and sighed. "When you return with our food, just leave your clothes in your room."

"Yes, Dominie."

***

When Marcus stepped naked but for his collar, which he only removed to bathe, into his Dominie's sitting room, he noticed two things. One, the double doors on the right were open. Two, the Countess was dressed in a black silk bustier that lifted her tits up and out. The bustier had straps attached that held up her dark stockings. She was sitting in a chair in front of a table for two. A pair of black strap heels completed her ensemble, and he admired them as she sat with her legs demurely crossed. Her large, exposed breasts drew his attention like a moth to a flame.

The young lad couldn't keep his shock and arousal from his face, nor stop himself from exclaiming, "Dominie!"

Lucinda smiled slyly as she watched the young man's reaction. She lived to see that reaction on a man's face. It sent her heart racing and her pussy leaking. The Countess watched his cock rise, bobbing as blood filled it in a hurry. He toddled to the table and set down the tray of food. The Countess used the savory smelling food as a distraction from his beautiful body.

Lucinda set a napkin over her lap and began eating. Marcus did the same, but his eyes kept darting from the beautiful woman before him to the open room behind her. He saw a few unusual pieces of furniture through the double doors. The floor was tiled, and it was laid out in a colorful mandala pattern. She must have noticed his eyes examining the room because she spoke when they were but half done with their food.

"When we are finished with our meals, you will go into that room and kneel at the center of the mandala. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Dominie." He said, swallowing nervously.

"When ever I call you to my chambers for instruction and play, you are to go in there and kneel. It's doesn't matter what room I am in or what I'm doing, you go in there and kneel and wait for me. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Dominie."

She noticed he seemed too distracted to eat much. His gilded fork trembled in his hand. "Are you through with your meal?" she asked him with a knowing smile.

He hurriedly set his fork down. "Yes, Dominie!"

Their eyes met. "Are you ready to begin your lesson?"

Marcus's reply was nearly a moan. "Oh, yes, Dominie!"

She smiled. "Go on. Take your place."

***

The first thing Marcus noticed as he stepped into the well lit room was that one piece of furniture was occupied. A soft whimper caught his attention, and he turned to the right to see a chair-like device near the doors that wouldn't have looked out of place in a doctor's office.

Darla, the housekeeper, was on her back on the metal and wood contraption, upholstered in padded red leather. Her legs were spread in brass stirrups and held there with cloth straps. Her arms were strapped to the side of her naked body. Marcus's eyes were drawn to her enormous tits that had sagged to either side and the device that dangled between her spread knees.

The full-figured housekeeper's eyes met his, and he watched a shudder roll through her body. A brass multi-jointed arm extended from the device and from it hung a weighted metallic rod. It was shiny and smooth and dangled from a cord in such a way that it lay against her glistening pussy lips, held there by gravity.

Her big hips torqued in an effort to get more stimulation from the weighted rod, and she whimpered.

Marcus's surprise must have been clear on his face. The Countess chuckled as she walked in behind him; the sound of her heels was a measured staccato on the tile. He turned to her in surprise, but all she did was point sternly to the center of the mandala. Without taking his eyes from the writhing housekeeper, he stepped to the center of the room and knelt.

Lucinda stepped up next to her housekeeper and smiled down at her. "Don't worry, Marcus, our sweet Darla is quite comfortable and here of her own volition. Aren't you, my dear?"

The Rubenesque woman turned her head and looked at Marcus with wide eyes, and nodded vigorously, making an affirming sound into the leather wrapped rod that was held between her teeth and tied around the back of her head. "We all have our little kinks, and this is hers." The Countess's hand caressed her big breast and then tweaked a plump nipple.

She looked at Marcus and pointing at a wide, cloth-upholstered ottoman. "Pull that over here." She pointed to the floor near Darla's elevated knees.

Marcus's iron-hard cock twitched and throbbed as he sprang into action, shoving the square stool where his Dominie had instructed. Smiling, Lucinda sat upon it and then kicked a panel on the chair with her foot. First, the articulated arm folded itself with a whir of gears and then retracted into the polished wood device. Another latch was triggered and a padded cushion slid out from the device just above the tile floor. She pointed to it. "Kneel there." Again, Marcus moved quickly.

Lucinda smiled at her housekeeper. "My young devotee is in a hurry to get between your legs, Darla."

Darla's eyes met Marcus's as he knelt, his face just inches from her shaved pussy. Her inner labia had heavy pink lips, and they glistened wetly. A line of Darla's sticky cream dripped from her pussy below an engorged clit that stood out like a tiny finger.

"I'm sure you are familiar with a queening chair." The Countess pointed to a tall wooden chair a few feet away that stood against the wall, more of a display than a piece that was used. It was gaily painted and the area of the seat where persons genitalia would be, was cut out in an arc. A cushion sat below it where someone could kneel before the sitter as he was now. Lucinda smiled as she ran her hand over Darla's ripe body.

Marcus certainly was. A queening chair was a cultural icon in his country and most every household had one. The history of its invention was a noble lady had one made so that she could be orally serviced wherever she wished. Soon all the women in her social circle had one and from there it had only gained in popularity.

"This is my version of our beloved queening chair. I have had many improvements made." She said with a wicked smile.

Marcus's mouth hung open in abject awe and appreciation. The device was magnificent and Darla looked utterly succulent upon it, her thick thighs spread wide before him. He could smell her scent, that was both sharp and earthy. The Countess pushed on a wooden square on the side of the device and out popped a small drawer. She lifted a silvery metallic rod that was phallic shaped and tapered to a rounded end like an egg. His dominie unfolded a key on the base, like that on the back of a clock, and twisted it several times. Marcus could hear a clicking noise as it wound some sort of apparatus. When she stopped, she folded the turnkey again and flipped a small switch. The device vibrated sharply in her hand and Darla whined with a need.

Lucinda leaned forward between Darla's thighs and dragged the humming device across the housekeeper's open pussy lips. Darla wailed into the gag in her mouth and her whole body jerked on the table. The Countess held the device up for Marcus to admire.

"A very expensive little clockwork device, with a spinning weighted gear. It makes it vibrate like a tuning fork." She reached down and set it against the underside of Marcus's cockhead. He gasped and shuddered as the pleasure made his heart race even faster.

Lucinda flipped the switch again, turning it off and then looked into her young student's eyes. "Are you ready to show us what you learned, licking your playmate's pussy in your mother's home?" she asked, mentioning his mother's bookkeeper Connie, with whom he'd shared as much pleasure as he could without breaking his oath of chastity. To break that oath would have brought dishonor to his late father's name and memory, and Marcus would have preferred death to that.

"Yes, Dominie." He didn't waste time. He leaned forward and gave Darla's fat clit a big lick, making her flinch and whine on the chair.

"Easy now. There are women who enjoy clitoral stimulation right off the bat, but most don't. You should get the woman warmed up and ready first." The Countess leaned back on her elbow and spread her legs, and with her other hand spread her pussy lips, revealing her slick opening. The contrast of her dark stockings and bustier against her skin and pink pussy was the most erotic sight he'd ever beheld. "Start by kissing and licking the lips of her inner labia. Suck on them gently. Then put your nose on her clit and push your tongue inside her." The Countess slipped her index finger inside her vagina and she moaned softly. Her finger made a sticky sound as it slid in and out. "Take your time, start gentle and get firmer and more aggressive as her body responds."

He didn't wait to be told and began licking Darla's plump lips immediately, with only his self-control keeping him from slavering over her like an animal. He saw her adductor muscles stretched between her hips and thigh, standing out taut and kissed them both lovingly, the housekeeper's pink flesh sublime against his lips.

"Good!" The Countess said. "That entire area is there for you to love. Explore and gauge her reactions to your ministrations."

Marcus lost himself in the act of cunnilingus, enjoying her taste and smell and reveling in her wails and moans as her big, beautiful body trembled on the leather cushion. His tongue licked as deep into her as he could reach, his face pressed firmly against her slick flesh.

"Okay, now she's ready. Begin licking around her clit with the tip of your tongue."

Marcus could sense Darla's reactions getting wilder and more insistent. He looked up into her face as his tongue bathed her clit and her eyes bored into his as sweat dripped from her face. "Am I doing well, Darla?" he asked softly.

Smiling at her devotee's attempt at making a connection, Lucinda reached up and loosed the gag in the housekeeper's mouth. When her mouth was free, he could hear the ardor in her voice. "Yes, sweet boy, you are doing very well."

Marcus smiled and then sucked her fat clit into his mouth, running his tongue over it and was elated to see the housekeeper's lovely face twist in a rictus of pleasure and her back arch over the cushion.

Marcus heard the vibrator turn back on and glanced over to see the Countess leaned back on her elbow, thrusting the silver device into her slick cunt as she panted on the ottoman. "That's it, boy, make her cum! Keep going!" his dominie wailed as she masturbated fiercely.

His heart racing, Marcus dove back into his task with a will as he felt precum copiously dripping down his hard cock. He wanted to stroke it but didn't dare do something like that without being told. It wasn't but a minute later when Darla exclaimed, "Oh, honey, that's it! Don't stop!" He felt her body shudder violently and then her head snapped back and she wailed loudly as her thighs trembled next to his ears. "Ooohhhh! Gods, yeeessssss!" The lovely housekeeper wailed as she came forcefully, her body writhing on the cushion.

When her body relaxed and she lay panting, Marcus leaned back with a big smile, but he didn't get a moment to enjoy it. The Countess moaned next to him. "Now me, boy! Now me!"

He looked over, and the Countess had her left arm under her left leg, thrusting the vibrator deep into her cunt. "Lick my clit!" she wailed, and he spun and fell over her writhing body. Seeing that she was already incredibly aroused, he flicked at her clit with the tip of his tongue. Her clit was smaller than Darla's, hidden under a heavy hood, and he flicked his tongue up under it and was rewarded by a scream of pleasure. His chin sat on her thrusting hand, and he could feel the vibrations in his teeth. In what seemed seconds, the Countess screamed, and he felt a gush of fluid squirt against his chin and shower his chest.

"Ohhhhh! Honeeeyyyyyy!" Lucinda screamed as she bathed his body in her juices until she lay quivering on the ottoman, drawing in deep breaths. Marcus felt like he was on cloud nine. That feeling you get when you ace an exam you didn't study for. After a few minutes, Lucinda held her hand up to the young man. "Help me up," she said with a little amusement in her voice.

Marcus stood and Lucinda was suddenly at eye level with Marcus's cock that was just dripping with precum, his cockhead nearly purple. She had to fight against her instinct to take the beautiful cock in her mouth. Instead, she rose and smiled down at Darla. "This young man did me a great service today, and has done very well in his first lesson. Shall we give him a treat?"

Darla smiled and looked approvingly at the young man.

"Would you like to put your cock in the pussy that you licked so well?" his dominie asked seductively.

Marcus's whole body shook with need as he looked over Darla's flushed, ripe body. "Oh yes, Dominie!" he exclaimed excitedly. The Countess flicked a control and the kneeling cushion retracted into the chair. She took him by his slick cock and led him between Darla's thighs.

"Ohhhh!" the young man moaned as his cock slid into a tight, wet pussy for the second time that day. After years of abstinence, it was a highlight of his life.

"Don't worry about lasting. Just fill her up with your seed. All the ladies beneath my roof are taking red amaranth, so there is no fear of a child," she said, mentioning the herbal medicine that women had used to prevent pregnancy for nearly a century.

Lucinda walked to the side of the chair and reached out for Darla's heavy breasts before bending to take a fat nipple into her mouth, sucking eagerly. Darla moaned at the two pronged attack on her erogenous zones and pulled in vain against the straps that bound her hands to the chair.

Marcus wrapped his hands under Darla's thighs and began hammering into the big woman, loving the lewd wet sounds of his cock slamming into her.

"Yes! Young squire! Give it to me!" Darla wailed as her matron pulled at her nipples, squeezing them between her thumb and forefinger.

If it had lasted for an hour, it still wouldn't have been long enough for Marcus, and too soon, he felt his orgasm rush upon him like a wave. His eyes locked on Darla's as she felt his cum jet deep inside her. The feeling of her being filled and stretched even more, set off another spasm within the big woman and he felt her pussy squeeze down on his cock, milking the last of his cum from his shaft.

Marcus fell over the woman's sweaty body, and he heard a buckle being released. He felt a hand running through his damp hair as Darla whispered to him. "You did so well. In the months to come, we are going to have a lot of fun together, you and I. Neither my door, nor my legs, will be closed to you, sweet boy."

The Countess walked around the chair and released Darla's limbs from the device before she and Marcus helped her from the chair. There was a crank that lowered the device to ease mounting and dismounting.

As Darla stood unsteadily, the Countess smiled at her two lovers.

"Is there anything else the young squire and I can help you with tonight, milady?" Darla asked softly, admiring the Countess's flushed and sweaty body in its bustier and stockings. Damp locks of dark hair stuck to the mature woman's face.

"No. Eugene will be home shortly and he enjoys finding me thusly. Retire to your rooms. You can clean up in the morning," Lucinda replied.

Marcus smiled. "Thank you for the instruction, Dominie."

Lucinda looked at him and her face grew serious. "Unless it happens with me, in this room, you may not have sex of any sort with anyone else until I give permission. Do you understand me?" She was looking at Darla and her devotee.

"Yes, Dominie." Marcus and Darla said in unison.

***

When Marcus awoke, he stretched and after a moment, the memories of the previous day came flooding back. He clapped his hands to his face, as he could hardly believe it. He was a virgin no longer! Marcus lay for a few minutes, marveling at the thought and letting it sink in. He was about to climb from the sheets when there was a knock at his door. He pulled the sheet over his lap and told his visitor they could enter.

A young blonde woman entered and smiled at him. "Good morning, sunshine! Are you ready to get your hands dirty?" Amanda was a sandy blonde with lovely little freckles across her cheeks and nose. She wore loose fitting women's cut khaki work clothes, and a straw sun hat dangled from its cord on her back. Her smile was dazzling and her hair was cut in an attractive bob.

Her face grew thoughtful for a moment, and then she grinned wickedly. "Not as dirty as you got last night, though."

Marcus laughed. "Good morning Amanda. Am I with you today?"

Her blue eyes sparkled. "Yep, after you eat and go help Darla clean up in the fun room, meet me out in the garden." The effervescent woman spun on her heel and bounced from the room, making Marcus smile. It was a fine start to the day.

Dressed in the same work clothes he'd worn the previous day, he met Darla in his dominie's sitting room. His new wardrobe would not arrive for a few days yet, and he made do with what he had.

Considering what they had done the previous evening, Marcus was surprised when Darla gave him a shy, embarrassed smile. She'd brought a bucket of soapy water and saddle soap for the leather and polish for the brass. As they set to work, he could see she was avoiding his eyes.

He stepped up to her, and she had no choice but to look up at him. "What's the matter?" he asked with a serious tone. Darla's face grew red, and she swallowed hard, brushing a strand of gray hair behind her ear.

"I was... I was afraid that you'd think poorly of me this morning. The way I was... displayed for you. That you'd think me cheap or... weird. One of the Countess's previous devotees said cruel things and called me an old..." Words failed her and her face fell.

Marcus was not worldly nor experienced with women, but he knew that sometimes a kiss can say more than words ever could. He gently lifted her face to his with his fingers and bent to kiss her firmly. After several seconds, he felt the lovely older woman sigh and relax as the anxiety drained from her body. She grabbed his arms and kissed him fiercely before breaking the kiss and stepping back.

The smile on Darla's face was radiant, and Marcus smiled back as the two of them got back to work.

***

Amanda walked up to him with a fierce look when he stepped into the grand courtyard. She looked down at his hands to see the bandage on his right hand. She lifted his hand angrily and peeled the bandage back enough to see the wound. "Gaius told you to see me about this, did he not?" She was by far the youngest person on the Countess's staff, with a sunny disposition that Marcus quite liked. Her ever-present smile, fair hair and blue eyes were very girl-next-door, and he found himself happy to be working in the garden with her.

Marcus nodded. "Yes, and here I am. Last night, I cleaned it well and bandaged it and it gave me no pain then or this morning."

Her face relaxed. "I guess you did have other concerns last night." She glanced at the wound again and then released his hand. "It doesn't look infected."

Marcus nodded and looked at the fenced garden, which looked to be around one hundred feet square, and currently needed tilling after the last fall's harvest. "What's the plan for today?"

She gave him an alluring smile and cocked a hip at him. He half expected her to give him some sort of suggestive or saucy reply.

Instead she said, "Fertilizing. I'll find you some gloves."

***

That evening, Marcus knelt naked in the center of the mandala again. This time there was no one in the room with him and he knelt for some time until he heard the Countess's high heels on the tile. As she walked around him with an alluring smile, he saw she was still dressed in the same dress and stockings she had worn into town during the day. The blue knit dress hugged her curves tightly and fell to her knees with a slit over her left leg. Her slingback heels matched the dress, but her white stockings offered an attractive contrast.

She smiled as she watched the eager young man's cock bob as blood rushed into it. Lucinda found it a wonder that every woman in the world didn't want to be a dominie. She bent over at the waist towards him, offering Marcus the opportunity to glance down the plunge neckline of her dress. "Good evening, Marcus. I trust you had a good day today?"

Marcus smiled as he enjoyed the seductive view. "Yes, Dominie. I had a good time working with Amanda."

Her right eyebrow went up. "Not too good, I trust?"

His smile deepened. "No, Dominie."

She walked around him, trailing her fingers across his square shoulders before pausing on his right side and lifting his hand much the way Amanda had. "Your hand is healing well?"

"Yes, Dominie."

"Good. I'm sure I don't have to tell you how important it is to keep your hands in good shape for our lessons. Make sure you wear gloves when working outside, hmm?" She glanced at his fingernails. "And always keep your nails clean, trimmed, and smooth. See Darla if you need an emery board."

Marcus lifted his head to look at her. "No need, Dominie. Mother sent me with enough for two years."

Lucinda laughed and caressed his hand and down his muscled forearm. "Yes, I'm sure she did. Which is well because fingers will be an important part of our lesson for this evening." Marcus felt his heart race as his imagination ran wild. She held his hand and stepped back. "Why don't you follow me?"

Marcus's eyes bore into hers. "Dominie, I would follow you anywhere." He knew that his relationship with the Countess was very 'speak when spoken to' and kept his replies to 'yes' and 'no' when appropriate. It was something his mother had drummed into him as she prepared him for his time as servant and devotee. But he still often found it difficult to not ad lib in such circumstances.

Lucinda paused and smiled. For her devotees to become infatuated with her was to be expected. It was her challenge for it not to become reciprocated. "Such compliments are appropriate, Marcus, and certainly your future wife will appreciate them, especially when offered in public, but let's not overdo them here, yes?"

He lowered his eyes and rose. "Yes, Dominie."

She led him out of the playroom and into her bedroom. Her canopy bed was enormous, easily eight feet by eight feet, and he felt any sort of sheets or blankets for it would have to be custom made, like the mattress itself. It was draped in pale blue and white lace curtains, which contrasted with the dark mahogany of the head and footboards. The bed was flanked by two matching tables with lamps shaded in green stained glass.

Above a dresser was a short display case filled with glass shelves. On each shelf were three or four framed photos of young men or women. Beside each was a folded piece of white silk bound with a red velvet collar identical to Marcus's own. He smiled as he saw she had keepsakes of each of her previous devotees. On the bottom shelf was a folded white breechclout, but no photo or collar. Marcus supposed it was his own.

She led him to her bedside and stood next to her enormous bed. When she nodded downward, Marcus took the cue and settled back on his knees. Smiling into his upturned face, she whispered. "Take my panties down, boy."

Marcus's heart thudded in his chest as he slid his hands up her stockinged legs. They were silk, and he knew to be careful with them. His fingers moved over the top of the stocking, felt the suspenders of her garter belt, and caressed her bare flesh before touching her equally silky panties.

He caressed over the generous globes of her ass, and she smiled. That he took his time to enjoy her body would only be a benefit to him and his future wife, so she encouraged it. And, of course, enjoyed it herself. She felt his fingers find the waistband of her panties and slowly begin drawing them down.

Marcus paused when the panties were around her knees, just looking at them, and the Countess noticed. "There's something wildly exciting about panties around a woman's knees or ankles, isn't there?"

Marcus looked up with a face filled with wonder and awe. "Gods yes, Dominie!" he breathed. He looked back at his hands and helped his dominie step out of the lacey white garment. He found the silky gusset and rubbed it between his eager fingers to find them damp.

The countess reached down and took his hands, lifting them toward his face. "I have been out all day. I walked in the park and spoke with friends, and had lunch at a cafe. And since, I have not bathed." She lifted his hands toward his nose. "Put your nose in my panties and take a big sniff." She waited until he had done so and then glance up at her again.

"Does the scent of my unwashed pussy repulse you?" she asked pointedly, her eyes holding his. He took another deep breath in the white material. Marcus could smell her sweat and the sharpness of her natural musk, combined with a slight smell of pee. He shook his head.

"No, Dominie."

She took the panties from her hands with a serious look. "Good. When you are courting your future beloved and later your wife, there will be many times when she wishes to feel your mouth on her cunt and a bath will not always be preceding." The Countess lifted her dress, slowly revealing her shaved pussy. "If your lover wears her pubic hair trimmed or keeps a bush, the smell might be stronger. In the months to come, if you get to bed Petra, you will discover this to be true."

Marcus nodded, he's eyes not lifting away from her shining pussy. "Yes, Dominie. My mother's bookkeeper, Connie, was untrimmed, and I licked her often."

Lucinda leaned her head back and spread her legs as she pulled his face between them. She felt his tongue probing and sighed deeply. "That's right. I'm so glad you had a mature playmate before coming to me. Did you know that in my parent's day, young people weren't allowed even that? They were expected to be entirely pure until they turned twenty."

Marcus moved his head in a nod and hummed an m-hmm into her increasingly moist lady parts. His tongue slipped into her slit and she couldn't help but lean back against her mattress, giving him yet a better angle. Her taste was much more intense than he had found it the previous evening, but did not find it distasteful.

After several minutes, she pushed him back, breathing deeply. She leaned over to kiss him deeply, tasting her juices on his lips. "You are definitely improving at that." She looked down at the pre-cum that was glistening on his cockhead.

She lifted his right hand and extended his middle finger with his palm up, holding his eyes with her own. Lucinda pulled it into her mouth and sucked on it erotically, with her tongue bathing his finger. She left it with her saliva dripping down into his palm before leaning back against her bed again.

Marcus caught his breath as his dominie spread her legs wide and then reached down and spread her inner pussy lips, revealing her slick, pink opening. "Now slide it in just like that, nice and slow."

Smiling widely, he did as he was told, curling his finger naturally to caress her G-spot lightly. The Countess moaned softly. "Oh, yes. I can see that Connie was an excellent teacher. I'll have to find a way to thank her properly. That's my G-spot, honey, and it is directly tied to my clit." She flicked at her tiny hooded bean and instinctively Marcus leaned forward and gave it a light lick. "Ooohhh, yes. Sweet boy, yes," she whispered. After a couple of minutes, Lucinda pushed him back gently, panting. "Okay, let's add another step to our dance."

The Countess lifted her full breasts in her hands and before Marcus's wide eyes, lifted her plump nipple to her mouth and sucked it for a moment. With a wildly seductive smile, she pushed herself up onto the bed and wiggled back to lay her head on her pillow. Marcus followed eagerly.

The luscious woman lay back and held her breasts out toward the young man, and he was happy to crawl over her supine form, straddling her left leg. "Yes, baby. Just do what comes naturally." Marcus did his best to start easy, kissing and licking her generous globes before zeroing in on her broad areolas and fat nipples.

"Use your hands, too, sweetie. You can squeeze. I'll tell you if you hurt me." At that point Marcus lost himself in the act of bringing her as much pleasure as he could with his fingers and mouth until his mouth was pulling at her nipples like a babe expecting a meal.

She was gasping when she said, "Now, hun, with your right hand, finger my pussy!"

He gazed up into her eyes as he slipped two fingers into his mouth and wet them before reaching down to caress her pussy. Marcus found it swollen with need, and her juices dripped down over her perineum. He bent his wrist and pushed into her gently, making the Countess grunt as she felt herself stretched by his deft fingers.

Lucinda looked down at his rock hard cock and pondered if she was going to let him inside her again. She wanted it quite badly, but she had a method to her instructions and often actual intercourse was later in her schedule. But it had felt so good that day in her auto-carriage. She remembered the way he had looked at her as she rode his cock until he spewed his seed inside her. It had been delicious.

"Yes. Marcus, that feels wonderful. Many women admit to having some sort of connection between their breasts and their clit and attention to both, oh!" The Countess wailed as Marcus's thumb pressed firmly down on her clit as his fingers curled and stroked her G-spot. "Oh yes! Marcus, that's it! Just like that!"

Her young devotee reveled in Lucinda's wails and moans as her body writhed on the sheets, her face shining with perspiration. His fingers pistoned in and out, making wet obscene sounds, and he could feel her pelvic muscles squeezing harder and harder as her orgasm rushed up like a wave.

"Oh, Marcuuuuussssss!" the Countess wailed as her back arched over the bed. She held her breath as her pussy spasmed and her legs slammed shut around his hand. Marcus released her nipple and smiled as her breast slipped to her right side, the nipple an angry red color.

Finally, Lucinda collapsed onto the damp sheets and relaxed, gasping for air. Her eyes found his, and she loved seeing the look of joy on his face. "You did so good... baby."

That's when he surprised her, as his body fell over hers and kissed her passionately. She loved kissing her devotees, but usually let them choose whether they would. Some she found just weren't comfortable with the level of intimacy that kissing brought to a sexual exchange.

She grasped his face and kissed him hard until the need to breathe made her push him back. "I haven't yet caught my breath, you silly boy." She said with a smile. He smiled back and then kissed both of her engorged nipples.

"I loved doing that to you. You're so sexy, writhing on the sheets," he said fervently.

Lucinda could feel his cock sliding across her thigh and reached for it. "It's time for you to writhe for me, my fine young student."

Marcus had had his cocked sucked over the last two years by the lusty Connie. He'd never been able to get over just how good it felt. The warmth, the wetness, the suction of her mature mouth had lit him up like a roman candle. But it was nothing like this.

The Countess's ministrations as he laid on her bed was nothing sort of heavenly, with her mouth alternating between licking and kissing and sucking in such a way that kept his orgasm at bay, leaving it waiting anxiously in the wings until she allowed it to rush forward.

He watched her red painted lips as they encircled his thick cock, moving up and down with her thumb, forefinger and middle finger tight around the base of his cock. She slid off his cockhead with a wet sound. "Do you know how to flex your pelvic muscles?" she said, looking up his lean body.

Marcus swallowed and nodded. "If you flex them when you're nearing orgasm, it can delay the finish," she said matter-of-factly.

As her mouth resumed its work, he thought to himself that there wasn't a snowball's chance in hell of that happening. His hands clawed up big handfuls of the Countess's fine silk sheets as she brought him pleasure like he'd never known, drawing it out for what seemed more than he could endure.

"Oh, Dominie!" he moaned as her warm hand grasped his balls and held them as his orgasm arrived like a thunderclap. His hands instinctively went to her head, and his hips bucked up into her mouth as he fired his cum over the back of her tongue. He felt her soft hand pumping his cock into her mouth as she hummed around his cockhead.

After several mighty grunts, he relaxed on the bed and breathed deeply. As his cock softened, he still felt her tongue bathing him, licking up every bit of cum that had dripped down his shaft. She lifted her head and smiled at him before leaving a kiss on his cockhead.

"I think we have had a very successful lesson in oral sex. Don't you?" she purred at him. Marcus could only nod and smile. She lay up over his body and set her chin down on the back of her hand on his chest. His cock was pressing between her tits, and he could feel her heart beating in her chest.

"Eugene and I will be going away for the weekend, so Amanda and Petra will keep you busy." Marcus nodded his understanding. "But, Monday night, you will accompany Eugene and I to the first party of the season. It will be a spring dance at Lord Nigel's. See that your dark gray trousers and the blue shirt are properly prepared and your shoes are broken in enough to walk or dance without hurting your feet."

"Yes, Dominie."

Lucinda smiled at her devotee. "Good boy. Now why don't you go run some water and give me a proper bath?"

***

The weekend went by with agonizing slowness. He spent mornings and evenings in the scullery, but the household staff did little work with the Countess and her consort away from the estate. Lucinda kept things light on weekends, often eating in town and giving her people the weekend off when possible.

This gave Marcus time to explore the library, which was the one room of the house which had the old manor home sort of feel because it was floor to ceiling bookcases in a dark oak. He found entire cases dedicated to sex, finding copies of ancient texts dating back a thousand years from a variety of cultures. Some were translated and others were not, relying on illustrations to teach.

He found his dominie's dedication to her art enthralling, and it only inflamed his attraction to the lovely black-haired woman. Marcus pulled out an enormous book written in some ancient eastern language and began leafing through its pages.

***

Marcus pulled on the banded collar of his starched shirt. His red velvet collar was worn over it and he felt self conscious trailing behind the Countess and Eugene, who was dressed in a fine suit like a proper gentleman. Marcus could not don a gentleman's jacket until his Dominie deemed he was worthy.

Lord Nigel's home was a proper old country manor. Though it was dusk, he could see that the sprawling grounds were immaculately cared for and the old house was in fine condition. A butler opened the door and announced them as they walked into a foyer teeming with beautifully dressed people. Ladies in attractive eveningwear and gentlemen in suits of the most modern and fashionable cuts.

Before he'd been in the home for five minutes, Marcus's mother, Lady Mariana, nearly tackled him near a buffet table. She grabbed him up in a fierce hug. "Oh, honey! I have missed you so much." She gave him a big, wet kiss on his cheek and then giggled as she wiped her lipstick from his skin. As she stepped back, Tiana, his mother's consort, stepped up and gave him a much tamer hug and a faux kiss that smacked loudly in his ear.

He smiled at the beautiful brown woman who'd made his mother happy for the last seven years. Her dark wavey hair was gathered at her nape, emphasizing her long elegant neck and the pearls that fell into the generous cleavage made obvious by her tight green dress. Though he'd never admit it to anyone for the sake of propriety, he'd had many fantasies about the gorgeous woman with the caramel skin and deep dark eyes.

His mother pulled his face back to hers, and their eyes met. "Are you doing well? Did you remember what I taught you? Is the Countess happy with you?"

Marcus laughed and was about to reply when he was saved by Lucinda herself. She stepped next to him and pulled his hip into hers with her right hand, with a wide smile.

"Marcus is doing exceptionally well. You should be proud of him and yourself for raising such a fine young man."

Mariana blushed and stammered a reply. "He just... he just takes after his father."

The Countess's smile was mischievous when she replied. "Yes, he certainly does." She inclined her head to both ladies and then turned the two of them away. "If you'll excuse us," she said rather abruptly.

Marcus's mouth gaped as the Countess leaned towards him as they stepped away. "One benefit of station, my boy, is the ability to break up awkward reunions." Marcus laughed. He'd never seen anyone be so abrupt with his mother before. He knew it would chafe her for the rest of the night. They walked into the main ballroom to find Eugene speaking with his cousin, Lord Nigel. Standing next to the tall men was an... angel.

Kathleen stood smiling politely at the two men, her hands clasped behind her back. She wore a black velvet collar with a silver unicorn embroidered upon it along with two vertical stripes, where-as Marcus's collar had only one. Her white dress was demure compared to the gowns the other noble ladies wore, but it flattered her figure, and her tall white heels did the rest. Her hair was covered in a silver net of pearls, and her makeup was flawless. It was Lord Nigel who noticed them approaching and smiled widely at him.

"There you are, my boy!" Lord Nigel lifted his hand, welcoming them into his presence. Marcus bowed politely and tore his eyes from Lord Nigel's devotee with effort.

"Hello sir, thank you for the invitation."

Lord Nigel looked at his petite devotee. "I believe you two have met?"

Kathleen giggled and looked at Marcus. "Yes, Dominus. We are warmer and more comfortable now, though, aren't we?"

Her smile made Marcus melt inside, and he answered from the heart. "Yes, and then, at the same time, no."

Kathleen frowned slightly. "No? I'm afraid I don't follow."

The Countess chuckled. "I believe, my dear, he is saying that he is made uncomfortable by your beauty."

The young blonde did a double glance from the Countess to Marcus and then back before looking at Marcus's face, whose smile proved the Countess correct.

Kathleen smiled demurely and blushed. "Oh."

Lord Nigel and Kathleen escorted their guests into an immense dining hall and Marcus realized just how modest his mother's home and the Countess's villa were in comparison. A sumptuous dinner was served and wine and beer were served to everyone not wearing a velvet collar.

Marcus scanned the room and noted another half dozen devotees among the assemblage, all sitting properly with their dommes. His eyes kept returning to the lovely blonde across from him and noted her inspecting him as well.

"Are you... umm... enjoying your tutelage with Lord Nigel?" he asked, not knowing what else to say. He was embarrassed when Kathleen giggled loudly.

She smiled at his confused look. "Enjoyment is kind of the point, isn't it? Receiving pleasure, and learning to give it?" She smiled slyly. "My Dominus is a very skilled lover, and he is treating me well."

After a forkful of food, she continued. "I could do with a little less time with the housekeeping staff, though." Her eyes met his. "It's a bloody big house, with many secrets."

Marcus smiled and told her of his days in the garden and scullery, and they commiserated together over the drudgery of their days, compared to the pleasure of their nights.

Lord Nigel cleared his throat and then set his hand on Marcus's shoulder affectionately. "My boy, it would please me if you took my devotee on a walk around the grounds. The Countess, my cousin and I have business to discuss before the dancing begins. I would be happy if you were to escort her."

Marcus nodded. "Of course, sir."

The tall man rose and looked at his devotee. "If we have not returned by the time the music starts, you may join the party."

After the Countess departed with Lord Nigel, Kathleen leaned in to whisper to Marcus. "She is exquisite. I'll bet you are having the time of your life between her thighs." Her eyes glittered mischievously. "Do you suppose she likes women as well?" Marcus's eyes flicked to her black velvet collar and the two stripes that denoted her bi-sexuality.

The idea of the petite beauty before him in a sapphic embrace with his dominie made his heart race. "I think so. I have seen her touch another woman's breasts with enthusiasm."

Kathleen smiled and took Marcus's hand and took him out to the veranda, which led to a grand staircase down to the garden grounds. A cobble stone path of white-gray granite shot with mica led off into darkness. As soon as they were out of earshot of the house, her hand found its way into his. "Has your dominie told you who she has planned as your playmates during training?"

Marcus blinked hard in surprise. "I have been with a member of the household staff and the Countess, thus far. I assume I'll be allowed to be with some of the other ladies there after a while."

He could hear her smile in the darkness. "She hasn't told you about any of the noble ladies you'll be entertaining?"

"I umm... no, she hasn't."

Again, he could hear the amusement in her tone. "That's interesting. Do you think our dommes are really having a 'business meeting'?"

Marcus blinked. "Well, what else," he paused mid-thought and imagined his dominie with Lord Nigel and her consort, in a mass of sweaty bodies. "Oh, wow."

Kathleen stepped forward, pulling his hand. "Come with me. I think I know where they might be. Lord Nigel has a special room." To Marcus, it stood to reason that if the Countess had a room and most of a library devoted to the art of sex, most every dom must have something similar. He broke into a trot, and the young couple entered the house, then darted away from the party, down a hallway. He followed his lovely host until she paused before an open stretch of wall.

Looking in either direction, she touched a decorative brass button on a painting's frame that hung on the wall, and Marcus heard a quiet mechanical sound. Kathleen turned and pushed against the wall and it swung in silently. She smiled at Marcus. "Many secrets."

The door opened into a narrow, unfinished corridor, barely wide enough for Marcus's shoulders. The area was black as pitch, but she took his hand and led him into it confidently, leaving the secret door ajar. They walked blindly down a narrow passage until Marcus's eyes adjusted to the gloom and he began seeing streaks of pale light through narrow joints in the walls.

Marcus stopped when he felt her do so and he saw Kathleen's face light up as she pulled a small black curtain up at eye level, revealing a slot just wide enough to gaze through. She looked through and smiled widely before turning back to Marcus. "There is a curtain in front of you. Feel for it," she whispered.

Marcus touched the wall before him and felt a piece of cloth a few inches lower than his eye level. He lifted it and blinked hard as he gazed into Lord Nigel's special room.

On the opposite wall of the room, directly across from the peepholes he and Kathleen stood at, was an elegant upholstered divan, which was both longer, wider and taller than the ordinary example of this type of furniture. Marcus stared in awe at his dominie, who was spread across the couch on her back. Her elegant dress was thrown casually on a wall hook, and her legs were spread and held high in the air, allowing Lord Nigel access to her wet pussy. Her generous breasts were released over her brassiere and her panties dangled from one ankle as the tall, handsome man thrust vigorously into her.

He felt Kathleen's hand grip his left wrist as she watched her dominus fuck this curvy older woman. "Oh, Marcus, she's just so succulent. I'm jealous."

The Countess moaned deeply around her mouthful, which was her consort Eugene's hard cock which was being slid between her open lips as her head dangled back off the divan. Both men had shed their dinner jackets and opened their pants, their clothed bodies offering a stark contrast to the nearly naked beauty writhing between them.

Th entire scene was taking place in a small circle of light shed by a single wall sconce, and the light danced across the Countess's heaving breasts. The shadows were deep in the large room, and other devices and pieces of furniture were barely visible on the edges of the light. Marcus was sure that many would be like pieces found in the Countess's own 'special room'.

Marcus was so enthralled by the performance that he nearly missed when a piece of shadow on the edge of his view separated from the rest. The inky black form moved forward slowly, and he stared at it in wonder. It wasn't until the form drew a silver revolver, which sparkled in the dim light and pointed it at the lovers on the divan.

Marcus straightened and put his mouth to the opening as fast as thought. "ON YOUR LEFT, SIR!" he shouted. The room erupted into chaos as the assassin fired and the lovers reacted to the danger, with Lucinda and Kathleen both screaming. Eugene flipped the divan and dove behind it, shielding the Countess with his body.

The Baron grabbed a bottle from a nearby table and flung it at their attacker. The missile caused the assassin's next shot to go wide, and then the room was plunged into darkness as the bullet put out the sconce light. Four more shots were fired in quick succession, and then there was silence for a few seconds.

Marcus's head snapped to the left as he heard a scuffling noise further down the corridor that he and Kathleen occupied. "The villain is using these passages to escape! If we hurry, we might catch him!" his lovely companion shouted.

He heard Kathleen turn in that direction and darted after her, wrapping his arms around her chest, drawing her body into his and lifting her bodily from the floor. "What are you doing, you fool? He's getting away!" she screamed.

Without stopping to reply, he spun them both in the narrow space and began shuffling towards the secret panel they had entered through. After a few seconds, the light from the hallway around the edges of the hidden door gave him hope, and he moved faster, all the while praying that the last sound he heard wouldn't be her enraged struggles or a gunshot from behind them.

Marcus kicked at the door, and he darted through as it swung open. He released his captive, then whirled and slammed the door closed, placing his back to it. He was prepared for her furious response. "What sort of coward are you to run from danger? Afraid for your pampered life?" she yelled in a fury.

Kathleen watched his jaw set in response and his hands flex into fists. "I was afraid... to fail in my charge of keeping you safe. Lord Nigel entrusted you to me." His eyes were hard, and he took a step towards her, his hands flexing again. She could see that he was every bit as angry as she was.

Her mouth fell open. "I..."

Noise from further down the hall startled them and they whirled to face it together. To their relief, it was the Countess and her two lovers. She was dressed in just a bathing robe and the two men's clothing was untucked and disheveled. The surprise on their Domme's faces mirrored their own.

"My Gods! It's you two!" Eugene exclaimed. The Countess let her robe fall open as she hurried forward and put her arms around both of them, pulling them both into her body.

"Are you all right?" she asked urgently, her eyes scanning their bodies for signs of injury.

After assuring Lucinda that they were unhurt, she turned and pushed Kathleen toward Lord Nigel. "See to your dominus. He's hurt." Marcus then saw that Nigel was clasping his left triceps with his right hand. He could see blood soaking into the man's white dress shirt.

The Countess turned to Eugene. "Alert the rest of the party! Get people out of here and call the constabulary! Tell them to look for anyone covered with red wine! Go!"

"Wait!" cried Kathleen. "If we let people leave, the assassin could escape with the crowd!"

Lucinda dismissed it with a wave of her hand. "So be it. The safety of our friends and families is more important." As her consort dashed off, she turned back to Marcus. "Though I'm wondering exactly what you two were doing in that corridor, it seems you have once again saved me."

Though his face was pained, Nigel looked at them both. "Again?" he asked.

Lucinda gave him a brief telling of what had occurred in the alleyway during their shopping trip. Nigel smiled and pushed Kathleen gently away. "It's okay, it's just a graze."

He stepped toward Marcus and with his good arm, pulled the young man in for a strong hug. "Thank you, my boy. Your warning was most timely." The big man pulled back, and Marcus could see tears in his eyes. "Your father would be very proud."

He turned to face his devotee. "And exactly how did you find out about that corridor?"

Kathleen smiled. "I saw the curtain move the evening you asked Cousin Eugene to give me instruction. It wasn't hard to figure out once I found the house's plans in the library."

Lord Nigel's face colored with embarrassment. "Yes, well, I was checking on your technique." When his lovely devotee chuckled, he turned back to Marcus. "And what were you doing in there, young man?"

Marcus bowed with a sly smile. "Checking your technique, my lord. From my dominie's moans, I'd say it is spot on. I learned quite a lot, sir. Thank you for the instruction."

***

Marcus sat silently in the Countess's auto-carriage. Eugene held her tightly across from the young man. The constables had kept them all for hours after the fruitless search turned up no trace of the assassin. It was assumed their attacker had used the exodus of the party guests to cover their escape.

He remembered the faces of the Countess and the men when the constable had asked them who they believed was the intended target of the would-be killer. There were no obvious answers to that vexing question, and it was clear it had bothered all three of them.

But the last thing he remembered before leaving Lord Nigel's home were the soft arms and warm lips when Kathleen bid him goodnight in the manor's front drive. "I am sorry I called you a coward. It was the... heat of the moment. I should have realized you had my safety foremost in your mind." He could still feel her lips on his, and his heart raced.

Marcus looked at Lucinda to find her staring at him, trancelike. There was yet a spot of Nigel's blood upon her chin. "Dominie?"

Lucinda blinked and her eyes became clear. "Yes, my dear?"

He cleared his throat and asked a question that had been on his mind several times throughout the evening. "Though I have only met Lord Nigel a handful of times before entering your service, he seems unusually fond of me. And he obviously knows my father well." Marcus felt his point was made and did not expound further.

The Countess gave him a sad smile. "Lord Nigel and your father knew each other only in passing, but when the war began, they went to the officer's academy at the same time. They became fast friends there, and the bond was strengthened by the fires of combat in battle after battle."

Marcus watched his dominie's eyes fill with tears and Eugene's arms tightened around her shoulders. "Lord Nigel led the tank brigade that broke the enemy's lines on that battlefield. The same charge that took the lives of your father, and my sweet Edwin."

Her eyes held his. "He carries his affection for your father and the guilt of surviving where others did not. And you resemble your dad so much."

***

Marcus stretched and opened his eyes to a dimly lit room. From the light streaming in at the edges of his curtain, it was well past daybreak. He panicked for a moment and threw the sheets back when there was a knock at his door.

He pulled the sheet back over his naked body. "Come in."

The door opened and in walked the head cook. "Petra, I'm so sorry! I overslept!" He glanced at his alarm clock to find it missing.

He looked back at the normally stern cook to find a soft smile on her face. It was then when he realized she was not dressed in her work uniform. Instead, she wore a pale blue negligee, and she was wearing makeup.

Petra smiled at his incredulous expression. "Madame has asked us to see to your wake up this morning, to thank you for your help last night." She looked down over her lean body, and then back at him with a little trepidation. "Darla is seeing to the Countess and sadly, Amanda is on her menses. I would be happy to..." she paused and he could see the apprehension in her expression. "If you don't find me too... common."

He'd heard that one of the Countess's previous devotee's had been a boorish oaf and had been rude to his dominie's staff. Especially the women. Marcus gazed at her mature body through the sheer panels of her lingerie and smiled. Her breasts were the perfect handful and her nipples were poking into the thin material. She had a small paunch that he found very feminine and sexy.

Marcus pulled the sheet aside and slid over on his narrow bed. "I would be honored to receive so lovely a woman."

Petra smiled, and to see such an honest expression on this ordinarily reserved woman made Marcus smile. The tall blonde stepped forward and pulled the pins from her hair, letting her blonde tresses fall around her shoulders.

End of Chapter One

Author's Note:

I've been searching for a setting and a story to really sink my teeth into. Something unique and completely mine. I have always been enamored with the whole Lady Chatterley manor-house sort of setting and the strong May/December vibe should surprise no one who reads my work. It's also inspired a bit by Anne Rice's Beauty series, but it's been over twenty years since I read it, so it's just the idea of a young noble bought and trained that I pulled from it.

A quick thank you to Eosphorus who did a beta-read for me so that I could be certain I was adequately describing this world and culture that is so clear in my mind. If you're the sort who enjoys my stories, I strongly recommend his as well. We have similar tastes and interests.

I intend to start the second chapter soon, and there's no telling how long this one will be. I'm hoping to keep it within four chapters, perhaps 70-80k words total. But it's a broad world I've created and there's no telling where our friend Marcus could end up. Or with whom.

Rob