Salacious Tales Pt. 02

Author's Note: This story has been posted to Literotica. Com with the full knowledge of the original author, JimBob44. No part or whole of this story may be reprinted in any other format or on any other web site without the express written consent of the original author.

Any and all persons engaging in any sexual activity are at least eighteen years of age.

This story has been edited by myself, utilizing Microsoft Spell-check. You have been forewarned; expect to find mistakes.

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Eighteen year old Julia Webber lay back on her bed, fully unclothed. Between her spread thighs lay her best friend and lover, Jennifer Sheffield. Jenny's tongue danced along Julia's splayed labia, gathering Julia's nectar. Julia kept a feather pillow over her mouth, stifling her groans and gasps of pleasure; her step-father's study was the room next to her bedchamber.

Julia clasped the pillow tightly to her beautiful face as her hips began the familiar dance. Jenny had captured Julia's bud of pleasure and now suckled on Julia's clitoris.

"Mmng, oh!" Julia cried into the pillow as her climax came quickly.

Jenny released Julia's clitoris and licked fervently along Julia's lips. She then sucked quite forcefully on Julia's nub once more, causing a second orgasm.

"No, no more, dear Jenny," Julia whispered hoarsely.

Jenny smiled as she wiggled her nude body along the nude body of her friend. She paused to gnaw playfully on the girl's soft belly, causing Julia to laugh. Reaching Julia's very heavy breasts, Jenny did stop to grip one breast in her hands, squeezing firmly. Bending her blonde head, Jenny gnawed and nibbled at the large pale orb. When she reached Julia's large areole, she flicked her tongue all around the light brown flesh until she reached Julia's hard nipple. She sucked forcefully on the nub, then delivered a light bite that caused Julia to gasp loudly.

"Hush," Jenny giggled before attaching hands and mouth to Julia's other breast.

When she lay atop Julia, heavy breasts mashed against heavy breasts, her blonde furred crotch pressed firmly against Julia's brunette curls, nineteen year old Jenny delivered a loving kiss to Julia's gasping lips. Julia opened her mouth and sucked on Jenny's tongue. Her arms wound around Jenny's torso, firmly pressing the girl against herself.

Mark Vincent wiped the sweat from his forehead as he peered into the small aperture. The painting was of a sailing vessel being tossed upon a stormy sea. The forward mast was already damaged, hanging by a few lines, its sails torn. And, the forward cannon, just visible peering from the gunwale had been the perfect place to pierce. The thin wall that separated his library from Julia's room had been easily punctured, giving Reverend Mark Vincent an abundant, glorious glimpse into Julia's bedchamber.

He admired his step-daughter's bountiful bosom with large areolae and hard nipples. He admired her soft belly and lush hips. The thicket of brown curls that covered her delta entranced him and he took many opportunities to spy on her.

When Julia had begun her friendship with Jennifer Sheffield, Reverend Vincent was inclined to forbid the two teenaged girls from keeping the company of one another. The first time Jenny had entered Julia's bedchamber and the door had been shut, Reverend Vincent had thought to march into the girl's room and banish the blonde girl from his fine Christian home. However, the thought did come to him to make use of his spyhole.

Their kisses inflamed his senses. When their pale flesh was exposed, layer by layer, Reverend Vincent was well into a lather. When the two beauties used tongue and fingers upon one another, the man ejaculated into his linen underclothes, nearly toppling over from the force of his spending.

Recovering somewhat, he marched down the hall to find his Helen in her parlor. With a screech of indignation, Helen attempted to fend off his filthy advances. He used his weight to overcome her thrashing and pummeling and hefted her skirts and crinolines above her waist.

"What, whatever possessed you to do thus?" she demanded once they'd recovered from their frenzied coupling.

"Need I have a reason to wish to be with you, the true love of my life?" He inquired.

"No, no, I suppose not," she simpered, kissing him. "And you, you are the true love of my life, Dear Vincent."

Julia and Jenny came downstairs a few moments after. Jenny was polite as she wished the reverend and Mrs. Vincent a good day. Julia and Helen, as well as Jenny were surprised when Reverend Vincent was polite to the blonde and did concede that the girl should visit them again.

A few scant weeks after discovering his step-daughter engaging in Sapphic delights with her blonde friend, Reverend Mark Vincent stood before his congregation, leading them in an impassioned prayer. Inside, he still rankled at being forced to perform a marriage between a Catholic and a Baptist, as if he condoned the union. He believed the Catholics to be mindless sheep, reciting their words of Latin, following the inane dictates of their faith without thought or question.

And suddenly, his worst fears were realized. He was confronted by his brother in law, the profane man that had managed to defile and impregnate his beloved Helen when they were but callow and inexperienced teenagers.

Elijah Webber brought with him a swift removal from his church. This in front of his faithful congregation no less. Mark Vincent sat glumly staring at the three walls of his cell within the stockade at Fort Engles. The fourth wall was comprised of steel bars and a locked door. He could hear his sister, Helen Webber loudly, shrilly complaining about her treatment, about her captivity.

"Were I you?" Colonel Danbridge opined, approaching Vincent's cell. "I should be grateful for the respite from that sharp-tongued woman."

"And grateful for the noose that shall be put about her neck," Corporal Koronos, the assistant to the Chaplain for Fort Engles murmured as he followed Colonel Danbridge from the row of cells.

"Do send Major Thornsen to see me?" Vincent asked Corporal Koronos.

"You are aware that Major Thornsen is Lutheran?" Corporal Koronos inquired. "Whereas you are, um, I believe, a Baptist?"

"As long as he's not Catholic," Vincent smiled tightly.

"You wished to see me, Reverend?" the chaplain Major Thornsen inquired.

"It is Mister," Vincent Marks admitted. "Come, come, I fear I must confess."

Joseph Thornsen kept his visage neutral as Vincent Marks confessed to having grown up entranced by his older sister, Helen. When, at age eighteen, she'd succumbed to the temptations and had become with Elijah's child, Vincent had been both enraged and heartbroken.

"Then, when the Reverend Elijah Webber's true nature became apparent; the man is a deviant monster," Vincent whispered hoarsely, "Well! I could no more leave my Helen in his clutches than I could hope to fly!"

"So, you knocked him unconscious and set fire to his church," Major Thornsen reiterated, fighting down his revulsion.

"Yes. And seeing the blood from his head? I had believed he was dead," Vincent nodded. "We gathered Julia; she'd just begun her transformation from girl to beautiful young woman, and headed west."

"Why Sopopaya? Surely San Francisco or Portland, Oregon would have offered more um, cover?" Major Thornsen asked after a long moment of silence had passed.

"Eli had friends in San Francisco; never thought of Oregon," Vincent admitted.

"Well, I hmm," Joseph Thornsen cleared his throat. "I shall leave this Bible with you; I give a Bible to each soldier that leaves our post here."

"Joseph? Well, truth be known, I am sick of reading the Bible," Vincent admitted.

"Well then, I shall leave you to your solitude," the pastor tersely intoned, leaving Vincent alone in his cell.

"I'll bring you a few books," Corporal Koronos offered. "Sergeant Duhon? He were from New Orleans; he left a few books when he left out of here."

"I suppose... thank you," Vincent agreed.

Corporal Koronos did bring by eight rather worn books. Three were penned by 'Anonymous' and two were written by Randy Gent. There was one apiece by B. A. Firmmaster, Adora DeGatta and Felina Lafemme.

'My Sister's Keeper' by B. A. Firmmaster piqued Vincent's attention so he sat where the light from his barred window allowed him to read.

'My lovely sister's willful temperament did need to be curtailed and forthwith. The first step in training my dear Elisabeth's behavior began by removing her several articles of clothing from her wardrobe. Yes, in time she would be allowed to dress, to protect her modesty, but each article of clothing would be earned..." Vincent read.

Vincent read voraciously as the author described the blonde Elisabeth's first few days in complete nudity, days where she not only failed to procure any clothing for herself, but Elisabeth did earn several strikes with a rattan cane or a leather strap upon her pale white buttocks or creamy breasts.

'Affixing her delicate limbs to the sections of the large wooden 'X' I had constructed did reveal to myself why my willful, headstrong Elisabeth had thus failed to heed my disciplines. The aroma of her sex was evident as her thighs opened and her full labia parted. From her blonde curls seeped the evidence of her arousal, wetting her soft, pale thighs. Though her lips were twisted into her perpetual, defiant sneer, her eyes gleamed with a desire, a true desire for my finely crafted leather crop...'

"Oh!" Vincent groaned, feeling his penis jerk, twitch, and then spurt his excitement into his wool trousers.

'Parlor Maid' by Adora DeGatta caused Vincent to think of Julia and Jenny, lying upon Julia's bed. He'd only managed to spy upon the two girls but thrice and Helen had been the recipient of his ardor each time. Within the tale, Amy, the parlor maid had to be coerced into using tongue and fingers upon the blonde cleft of the lady of the manor; the threat of the loss of her employment brought about the maid's willingness to service her lady. Once discovering her maid's skills, the lady did happen to allow her friends to also enjoy the maid's artistry. The book ended with the maid being sold to a rather cruel mistress of a remote villa in Spain.

While Vincent and his sister Helen sat in their cells, the Reverend Elijah Webber carefully reviewed the notes his brother in law had made. He grudgingly agreed that his brother in law and his grossly unfaithful, incestuous wife had managed well over the few years since they'd left him for dead.

Extinguishing the wick of the kerosene lamp in the study, Elijah stood from Vincent's desk and stretched. Some of the injuries he'd received from the fire still plagued him. Turning to leave the study, Elijah paused.

Over the small settee was a masterful depiction of a sailing vessel being torn asunder by a horrific storm. Elijah had admired the artist's skill with both brush stroke and color. Now, in the darkened room, Elijah could see a pinpoint of light emanating from the painting. Placing one knee upon the settee for balance, Elijah placed his eye to the pinpoint that peeked through the porthole of the damaged ship.

Elijah discovered he was looking into the bedchamber of his daughter, Julia. Apparently with the use of mirrors, he was treated to an overhead view of his Julia's bedchamber. More specifically, he was treated to an overhead view of Julia's bed, where Julia and an unknown blonde beauty reclined, nude.

As he watched, Julia and the unknown beauty twisted about and placed their mouths to one another's furry clefts.

"Truly, their wanton behavior does merit some form of punishment," Elijah murmured as he watched the two young women bring pleasure to one another.

The two young beauties enjoyed one another for several long moments. When they began to dress, Elijah strode from the study.

"Daddy!" Julia squeaked, seeing her father seated in the parlor on the ground floor of their home. "Um, this, this is Jenny."

"Jenny," Elijah said, rising to his imposing height.

"Jenny Sheffield," the blonde said, looking into the hard eyes of the handsome man.

Miss Sheffield," Elijah smiled, peering intently into Jenny's eyes as he held her small hand.

"I, I should take my leave," Jenny said, voice low.

"Shall we see you again?" Elijah inquired.

"I, I do believe," Jenny stammered then departed the Webber home abruptly.

"Julia? Do you believe I perhaps make your dear friend somewhat hmm, ill at ease?" Elijah teased, causing his daughter to blush heavily.

"I, I wouldn't know, Daddy," Julia murmured, hastening to the stairs.

Helen had been somewhat adequate in culinary skills. There was little to praise about her cooking, but at least she kept them fed. Elijah had no skills in the kitchen and Julia likewise lacked the ability to prepare food.

"As generous as the good people of Sopopaya may be with their tithes, we should soon be without funds," Elijah confessed to his daughter after yet another meal in the Desert Rose Hotel's dining room.

"For truth?" Julia asked, beautiful eyes large.

"Maybe I exaggerate a trifle," Elijah smiled at his daughter's consternation. "But, perchance, your friend Jenny? Would she have any skills in the kitchen?"

"I sincerely doubt it," Julia scoffed. "Her mother has tutored my friend that she is to be a lady of leisure."

Unbeknownst to Julia, Jenny did have some skills, and better still, she had the desire to utilize those skills. Her mother strictly forbade any of her daughters from assisting Mrs. McDermott, the woman that owned and operated the boarding house. A proper lady does not lower herself to menial labors. A proper lady has servants, such as Mrs. McDermott to perform such tasks.

"But, should I marry," Jenny had argued. "Would I not want to provide my husband with a satisfying meal?"

In truth, though, now that she and Julia had discovered the joys of Sapphic love, Jenny doubted that she would ever marry. Few men could cause the beating of her heart to speed from just a glance, just a sweet, loving smile as her Julia could do.

"If you marry, be sure to marry a man rich enough to fire good help," was Georgia Sheffield's advice.

"No. No man should ever capture my heart, rich or not," Jenny had thought as she and Julia reclined, nude upon Julia's bed.

Their first kiss had been a true shock; Jenny believed she'd been struck by a thunderbolt. The first time Julia's fingers had tugged hat Jenny's nipples, Jenny had experienced her first true climax. The first time Julia's mouth had pleasured Jenny's furred cleft, Jenny firmly believed she was lost forever to any man that would foolishly pursue her.

Until she met Julia's father. Those eyes, those bewitching eyes; father and daughter both possessed deep brown eyes. Their eyes held Jenny in place, powerless to move.

Leaving the dining room of the hotel, Father and daughter happened upon Daniel Rose and his wife, Eleanor. Julia mentioned that Eleanor was the younger sister of Jenny Sheffield. Elijah studied the portly young Mrs. Rose but saw no likeness to Jenny Sheffield in the woman's visage.

Watching as the Roses took their leave, Elijah felt a stirring within his loins. Eleanor's face was pleasant enough. Her hair was thick and lustrous; it was obvious that Eleanor Rose did take care to tend to her brunette locks. But even as her face was plump, her chest was sorely lacking.

"Ah, but those haunches," Elijah thought, tearing his eyes from the posterior of Eleanor Rose, then guided his daughter to their home again.

Two weeks after Elijah had arrived in Sopopaya, he managed to intercept Jenny Sheffield as she came down the stairs, leaving Julia's bedchambers. For a long moment, the two stared at one another. Jenny felt her face become flushed; it seemed as if the handsome man could read her thoughts, her naughty, wanton, illicit thoughts.

"Miss Sheffield," Elijah finally spoke.

"Mister, Reverend Webber," Jenny murmured, curtseying slightly.

"Miss Sheffield, were I to be as bold as to invite you to accompany myself and my daughter to dine one evening, would that meet with your approval?" Elijah inquired.

"I, I, I believe, I believe that would be approvable, I mean, agreeable," Jenny stammered.

"Oh, splendid," Elijah smiled and Jenny felt her heart catch in her throat at the sight of his smile.

"Now, hmm, should I ask that you join myself, without my Julia to chaperone, would that be approvable?" Elijah teased the flustered nineteen year old blonde.

"Do you mock me, Reverend Webber?" Jenny asked, regaining her senses, recalling her mother's many years of tutelage.

"Oh, perhaps just a tad," Elijah smiled again.

"But, to answer your question, yes, I do believe that would be approvable," Jenny said.

Again, she curtsied. Then, thrusting her breasts forward, Jenny took her leave of Reverend Webber.

Georgia was less than impressed with Jenny's announcement. A minister could hardly sustain a wife with the mmeager coffers his congregation tithed to his church. A minister certainly could not sustain a wife and that wife's doting mother in any life of leisure.

"Mother, find your own husband," Jenny hissed. "Tend to your own marital status; I shall do well for myself, thank you very much."

"Hmmph! That fool?" Georgia scoffed. "Why do you suppose we left Pennsylvania?"

"Because he had grown tired of your unending demands, I believe," Henny interjected.

"And because he no longer believed that Mr. Dowd was your beloved uncle," Penny added.

"But, but Nathaniel is my uncle," Georgia proclaimed.

"Enough of this; Mother? Should a Major Trappey happen by," Henny supplied.

"This one, this one truly is an officer?" Georgia demanded, still smarting over a private Fielder managing to dupe not one, but two of her daughters into believing him to be a lieutenant.

"Yes, yes, I heard three soldiers address him as Major Trappey," Henny snapped, also still smarting over Private Fielder's subterfuge. "Now, this gown?"

"The ivory gown," Georgia decreed. "You should appear chaste."

"The ivory... Mother, I wished to wear the ivory gown for Reverend Webber," Jenny protested.

"Jenny hid her smirk; the ivory gown had grown more snug over the years. Henny would find it quite difficult to move with comfort, would find sitting to be quite restrictive indeed. Simply drawing breath would be quite difficult for dear Henny Sheffield; the bodice was far too snug for Henny's impressive bosom.

"The pink, the pink will simply have to suffice for you," Georgia snapped, developing a headache as Henny and Jenny quarreled over the choice of gowns.

"And he has two sons; both strapping young lads on the cusp of manhood," Henny confided to Penny as she struggled into the ivory gown.

"Trouble?" Jenny smirked, noticing Henny's consternation.

"No, no. Should there be trouble?" Henny asked, loath to admit that the gown no longer fitted her bosom or backside.

The Desert Rose Hotel had a fine plate of lamb chops, small potatoes and snap peas. Their dessert was a cobbler made from fresh blackberries with a dollop of fresh cream. Jenny nodded with approval as her date was courteous, attentive, but not fawning.

And, seated just a few tables away, Jenny saw her sister Henny in the company of a distinguished looking gentleman in the dress uniform of an Army officer. Jenny did notice that Henny was quite red in the face as she struggled to breathe. But Jenny also noticed, with some consternation, that Henny's bosom was amply displayed, affording the officer a goodly view of Henny's fetching cleavage.

"My dear Miss Sheffield, do you read much?" Elijah inquired as they dawdled over their dessert.

"Oh why, I read the Bible," Jenny lied. "I read at least one passage every evening before retiring."

"Hmm. And what, pray tell, would be your favorite passage? Chapter and verse, please?" Elijah inquired, fixing Jenny with a hard stare.

"I, I, well, it is so difficult to name just one," Jenny stated, sure that her face wore a deep blush of embarrassment, having been caught in a blatant falsehood.

If you were to ask me, it would have to be Hebrews," Elijah stated. "Specifically Hebrews 12:11; 'For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.'"

"Hmm. Twelve eleven, you say?" Jenny mused. "I, I shall read Hebrews tonight."

"Now, I'm given to understand that many courting couples take a little buggy ride to the lake," Elijah stated. "However tempting that might be, I believe it would be improper of a man of my employ and bearing to do such. Instead, let us enjoy a quiet moment or two in the parlor of Mrs. McDermott's home."

In the parlor, they happened upon Henny and her suitor. The men very quickly agreed to a game of whist; it should be couple against couple.

"And, shall we wager?" Major Trappey proposed.

"A twenty piece per game?" Reverend Webber asked, smiling a feral smile.

Neither Jenny nor her older sister had much skill regarding the game so it did come to a battle of the two men. When Henny played a Knave of Clubs, Major Trappey demanded why she had frivolously discarded her Ace not three hands earlier where the knave would have sufficed against Elijah's nine of Clubs.

"I, I do not know," Henny snapped, close to tears.

""Thank you, sir," Elijah smirked, relieving Major Trappey of his twenty dollar gold piece.

"No, no, thank you," Major Trappey said, smiling tightly.

"Hebrews twelve eleven," Elijah said and chanced a quick kiss to Jenny's lips.

"Reverend Webber!" Jenny giggled flirtatiously at his boldness.

Major Trappey also chanced a quick kiss directly onto Henny's lips. Henny playfully chided the military man for being so forward, all while leaning to afford him a long glance down the low cut bodice of her ivory gown.

The next afternoon, as Elijah prepared for the Wednesday Evening Services, Jenny and Julia came up the stairs. Elijah called Jenny to his study. With a giggle, Jenny entered the room.

"Ah, Miss Sheffield; a pleasure to see you again," Elijah declared, rising to his feet.

"And a pleasure to see you as well," Jenny said, thrusting her ample bosom forward.

"And if I may be so bold?" Elijah said, taking Jenny's left hand into his right hand and bringing her hand to bear behind Jenny's haunches.

"What? Why, Reverend Webber, what? What are you doing?" Jenny asked as Elijah brought her right hand back to join with her left hand.

"Amusing myself," Elijah admitted as he held her two hands in his left hand, pinned behind her back.

"Amusing..." Jenny asked as Elijah bent and kissed her.

"Oh!" Jenny gasped as Elijah held her captive, his left hand bound her two hands behind herself while his right hand became entwined in her long blonde tresses.

"Amusing myself," Elijah repeated in a hoarse whisper, kissing her savagely.

"Oh!" Jenny shivered, unconsciously pressing her crotch against his powerful leg.

"I would like to call upon you again, perhaps tomorrow evening?" Elijah asked, kissing her again before she could answer.

Releasing her from his grasp, Elijah smiled as Jenny stumbled slightly. She then excused herself and quickly left his study.

Moments later, Elijah chanced a peek into his daughter's room. He was rewarded with the sight of Jenny's smooth back and creamy pale posterior as Jenny knelt, head between Julia's splayed thighs. With a nod of satisfaction, Elijah left his study.

The following evening, after a delicious meal and dessert at the Desert Rose Hotel's dining room, Elijah invited Jenny to his home for a game of chess. Jenny confessed to not understanding the nuances and art of the game. Elijah smiled and promised to instruct her on the skills she would need.

Upon entering his parlor, Elijah grabbed Jenny's left hand in his right hand and brought the hand above her head. He captured her right hand and also brought that hand above her head. He held her in place, her back resting firmly against the closed door of the parlor.

"Amusing yourself, Reverend Webber?" Jenny taunted, ice blue eyes regarding him haughtily.

"Amusing myself," Elijah agreed, kissing her willing lips.

"Oh, oh, Reverend Weber, you, you should not!" Jenny moaned into his kiss as he stroked her covered breasts with his free hand.

"I should not? I should not amuse myself?" Elijah inquired, firmly grasping her rock hard right nipple between thumb and forefinger.

"No, you, oh!" Jenny gasped out as he twisted her nipple quite forcefully through the layers of cloth.

"Even if it does amuse yourself?" Elijah asked and kissed her, using his tongue in their kiss.

"Esp... especially if it, augh, oh, Elijah!" Jenny gasped and cried out in climax.

"Well, then," Elijah said, releasing his hold on her hands.

Jenny placed her arms about his neck and kissed him with passion. She did not protest as he fondled her breasts and actually seemed disappointed when he suggested it would be time for him to escort her to her abode.

In front of the boarding house, they contented themselves with a chaste kiss to her cheek. She bade him a pleasant evening and giggled when he suggested that it had already been a very pleasant evening indeed. With another giggle, she disappeared into the boarding house.

Again in his bedchambers, Elijah lighted the kerosene lamp. He found 'Should the Captive be Willing,' the very well-worn and dog-eared novella by B. A. Firmmaster. He found the page he desired and read B. A. Firmmaster's advice on identifying a truly willing submissive. The next few chapters gave instructions, through first person narrative on training this submissive.

"We are well underway, dear man," Elijah said to himself as he closed the thin book.

He was sure his savage twist to her nipple had caused Jennifer Sheffield to experience an orgasm. Her thrusting her crotch against his thigh, her flushed cheeks and ragged breathing, And the passion of her kiss were certainly indications of her pleasure.

"Oh! Had I not brought the evening to a conclusion, Miss Sheffield," Elijah thought. "You would surely be in my chambers below..."

It was Major Hiram Trappey that delivered the message to Elijah that the trial of one Helen Webber nee Marks would begin on the following Tuesday. Colonel Danbridge did request Elijah attend the proceedings.

"It is not an official summons," Hiram said, obviously still bristling over his loss of twenty dollars to the Reverend in their game of whist. "But it would certainly become one should you forgo attendance."

"I would not wish to incur the ire of Colonel Danbridge," Elijah agreed. "Please do inform the good Colonel that I shall be in attendance."

At Colonel Danbridge's discretion, the two defendants would receive their own trial. And, courtesy dictated that it would be the woman's turn first.

Before Major Thornsen, acting as prosecution could read the list of charges against the defendant, Helen began loudly complaining. Colonel Danbridge regarded the shrilly complaining woman for a long moment. Then he regarded Major Abner Wright, charged with representing Helen Webber for these proceedings.

"Major Wright, please gag your client," Colonel Danbridge ordered.

Placing the rawhide strap into her mouth and securing it behind her head was aided by the fact that Helen was securely shackled to the heavy chair upon which she sat. Twisting her head to and fro in an attempt to dislodge the strap, Helen happened to make eye contact with Elijah Webber. His mocking smile caused her to renew her barrage of complaints, renew her struggles against her binds.

"Oh, but Helen, you should remember well the shackles and binds," Elijah taunted quietly from her left, sat slightly behind her, causing another violent, albeit quite muffled struggle from Helen.

Elijah was called on to offer his testimony. He did verify that Vincent Marks, whom had masqueraded as the Reverend Mark Vincent was the younger brother of Helen Marks, now Helen Webber. Elijah smirked, looking into the hate filled eyes of his wife as he spoke of their early courtship and subsequent marriage. He spoke of their joy upon discovering that their union had proved fruitful and Helen's despair that their first born had been a daughter.

"Our second born was a son," Elijah confirmed. "Helen's joy was without limit. Truthfully? I was, I still am delighted with our Julia. She is a beautiful, bright, vivacious young woman. But Helen, Helen felt incomplete until she could birth a son."

Looking at Helen's tear filled eyes, Elijah did feel a small twinge of sympathy as he recounted the loss of Gabriel Moses Webber to Scarlet Fever when the child was but two years old. Never an overly affectionate woman before the loss of the toddler, Helen became quite cold and reserved soon after they buried Gabriel.

Major Wright did verify that, as far as Reverend Elijah Webber knew, Helen Webber had no involvement with incapacitating himself by striking him on the head. Elijah allowed that this was true.

"Nor, sir, do you have any actual knowledge that Mrs. Helen Webber caused the fire, the fire that destroyed your church?" Major Wright opined.

"Again, I have no knowledge of any involvement by Helen," Reverend Elijah allowed.

"Thank you. Colonel, I am done with Reverend Elijah Webber," Major Wright intoned, resuming his seat next to the agitated Helen Webber.

"But I did hear her say she'd hoped they'd be well shed of myself," Elijah said.

"Opinion, merely an opinion," Major Wright smiled.

Helen jerked and mumbled complaints as Major Wright placed his beefy hand upon her thigh. She tried her best to wiggle away from the groping hand as Major Wright played with her thigh. Her shackles held her in place and the seat was far too heavy to be easily moved.

Major Thornsen called Vincent Marks. Vincent was hardly a credible witness; merely stating over and over that he would invoke his Fifth Amendment rights. Finally, Major Thornsen stated he had no further questions of this witness.

"Mr. Marks, did you ever witness Helen Webber striking her husband?" Major Wright asked.

"No," Vincent said.

"And, to your knowledge, did Helen Webber set fire to the church?" Major Wright asked.

"No," Vincent stated.

"Then, whom did strike Elijah Webber? And whom would have had reason to set fire to the church?" Major Wright inquired.

"I wish to invoke my rights to the Fifth Amendment as set forth in the Constitution of the United States of America. Since this is a territory of the United States of America, I have this right and privilege," Vincent said.

"You know, you are much more attractive bound and gagged," Elijah whispered to Helen as court was adjourned for the noon meal.

Helen Webber grunted, squeaked and snarled as she fought against her shackles. Elijah shared a chuckle with Major Wright, Helen's appointed representation.

Elijah joined the Colonel, Major Thornsen and Major Trappey for the noon meal. Major Trappey made Colonel Danbridge chuckle when he advised Colonel Danbridge to avoid playing whist with Elijah. Major Thornsen curled his lips in disapproval.

"Well, if one is foolhardy enough to gamble? Then one welcomes the opportunity to lose," the chaplain intoned.

"Reverend, should you care to join myself and lieutenant Colonel hmm, say Friday evening? He does fancy himself to be a bit of a card player," Colonel Danbridge invited.

"Now, there might be some hmm, some spirits served at this card game, Reverend," Colonel Danbridge cautioned.

""Colonel, I've no objection to the minor vices in life," Elijah assured the military man. "Thou should not overindulge, but neither should thou abstain from some pleasures."

"Thornsen, I do hope you've heard the man's words," Captain Fitzmorris laughed, slapping Elijah on the back.

On the third day of the trial, Helen was called to the stand. Amid the shrill barrage of complaints and demands, Helen did confess to goading her dullard of a brother to attempting to commit murder. She was quite proud of herself; all it took was some words of love, some promises, the baring of her skin to coerce the simpleton into his crimes.

"Before I decide on sentencing, Reverend Webber, would you care to address the court?" Colonel Danbridge asked.

"That I would," Elijah said and removed his long, dark overcoat.

He unbuttoned his blouse and removed the starched white garment. Then he slowly turned so that the courtroom could see the pink, puckered flesh where the fire had burned him.

Pulling his horrified eyes from the scarred flesh, Colonel Danbridge did make note of Helen's smirk of satisfaction upon the sight of her husband's scarred body.

"Helen Webber, you shall be hanged about the neck until you are dead," Colonel Danbridge ruled.

Her answer was a haughty sneer of contempt. Then she delivered a projectile of spittle, striking the Colonel on his face.

"Oh, if I could hang you twice, you churlish woman," Colonel Danbridge said, wiping her spittle from his lustrous mustache.

The Friday night card game began at nine that evening, in the library of the colonel's quarters. Elijah was welcomed into the Colonel's parlor by a diminutive Asian woman that bowed respectfully and took his coat. Silently, the woman led the reverend to the library were Colonel Danbridge, Captain Fitzmorris, and a third man, Lieutenant Colonel Pignolet sat, waiting.

"Reverend, you and I shall pair up and teach these two a lesson in humility," Colonel Danbridge declared.

"No worries, Captain," Lieutenant Colonel Pignolet chuckled drily. "We shall teach these two gentlemen how to be gracious in their losses, shall we not?"

"Oh, that we shall," Captain Fitzmorris agreed.

Watching the interplay between Colonel Danbridge and Chin Lo, his Asian servant, Elijah was reminded of 'The Thorns of the Golden Rose,' a book of racy pen and ink drawings, Asian in origin. The artist, or artists had sketched Asian women with very large breasts and hairless vulvas being subjected to very demeaning sexual acts by ridiculously endowed young Asian men. The sketches were the first time Elijah had learned of sodomy. The last five pages of the book also displayed these nubile young women being used while restrained. The last illustration showed a young woman being whipped on buttocks and thighs while suspended from the ceiling by her wrists.

At that time, Elijah had been a student of Divinity, attending The River Jordan's College of Divinity, located on the southern bank of the Pierce River in Ingrassia, Tennessee. As a first year student, Elijah had been relegated to the first year students' quarters; four young men to a room. Two of his fellow students snored mightily and of those two, one suffered from uncontrollable flatulence.

"No, it is not David that suffers from flatulence; we are the ones that suffer," Carlton Cummings grumbled as he and Elijah tiredly made their way to the dining hall.

In the second year, Elijah's grades were such that, should he be able to afford, he could request his own private quarters. He readily did so; David's condition had not improved. Inside of his sleeping quarters, Elijah put his meager selection of clothing into the tall chest. He noticed that the top drawer was reluctant to slide easily and lifted up on the drawer's handle.

He discovered a cache of illicit literature that the previous tenant had secreted underneath the top drawer. A then plank rested between the first and second, second and third, and third and fourth drawers. In all, Elijah discovered three novels and one collection of pen and ink illustrations of a most vulgar manner.

It was with some reluctance that Elijah left these books and collection of illustrations for the next tenant of Room 312 in Tucker Hall. And when he vacated Room 115 in Tucker Hall, his diploma in hand, Elijah left behind a cache of books by B. A. Firmmaster, Randy Gent, and Anonymous for his brother student to discover.

But, looking at the lovely Chin Lo as she served them, Elijah was reminded of the illustrations contained within 'The Thorns of the Golden Rose.' He smiled softly as she wordlessly replenished his drink and the drinks of Captain Fitzmorris and Colonel Danbridge.

The alcohol flowed liberally. Chin Lo also brought small finger sandwiches and salted nuts for the players. Elijah declined any more alcohol after the third drink, requesting water instead. Colonel Danbridge, Lieutenant Colonel Pignolet and Captain Fitzmorris did not hesitate to imbibe, though. As Lieutenant Colonel Pignolet said, loudly, it was his pleasure to drink the Colonel's whiskey, and as much of the Colonel's whiskey as he could hold.

At four forty nine Saturday morning, Lieutenant Colonel Pignolet was face down on the table and Captain Fitzmorris was very nearly unconscious as well. Colonel's familiarity with Chin Lo had been established as he drunkenly groped the small Asian woman's form whenever she drew near to him. Elijah smiled; she made many attempts to draw near to the Colonel and giggled when he slapped her upon her compact buttocks.

"Gentlemen, I take my leave," Elijah intoned, getting to steady feet.

"Sure, sure, next Friday?" Colonel Danbridge drunkenly inquired.

"Do you believe these two should have more coins to part with?" Elijah asked, taking his portion of their winnings.

"If they do not, I shall find some new pigeons for us to pluck," Colonel Danbridge guffawed.

When Chin Lo brought his overcoat to him, Elijah saw that it had been brushed clean. The small woman seemed almost insulted when he offered her a coin in gratitude.

"Next time, you will leave your boots," she said, looking at Elijah's well-worn footwear.

After the tedium of Helen's trial, the trial of Vincent Marks was anticlimactic. The man confessed to his crimes and pled guilty to all charges.

Major Wright, again acting as defense, did ask for leniency for the contrite Vincent Marks. Colonel Danbridge did seek counsel with Reverend Elijah Webber; after all, he had been the victim of the ill-will and bitterness of Helen and Vincent. With a tight smile, Elijah offered that, while Vincent Marks may have confessed to his actions, at no time did the man offer any apology. Nor did the man offer any method or manner of recompense to Elijah, or to Julia.

"Julia? Your, your daughter?" Major Thornsen asked.

"Of course," Elijah addressed Colonel Danbridge and Majors Wright and Thornsen. "For nearly six years, my daughter believed her father was deceased. She had been without my loving, firm but loving guidance."

"Of course I am not repentant," Vincent spat when addressed by the court. "The sheer depravity of the supposed man of God is staggering! What he, that filthy animal did subject my dear sister to, what he had her do? No, no, I am not sorry for my attempted murder of him. Rather, I am sorry that I had not succeeded. I simply have no desire to trouble myself with a long and arduous trial. Especially when the outcome has already been decided upon by this court."

"Then you too shall be hung about the neck until you are deceased," Colonel Danbridge decided.

At the Friday night game of whist, Elijah caused Colonel Danbridge to smile when he suggested that Helen be allowed to proceed Vincent to the gallows. And, that Vincent be made to witness the suffering and demise of his sister and lover before ascending to the gallows himself.

"You, sir, are a worthy partner and a fearsome opponent," Colonel Danbridge declared, taking opportunity to grope Chin Lo's small posterior as she placed a fresh drink to his right.

At twelve minutes after three the following morning, Elijah did take his leave of the quite inebriated Colonel Danbridge. His coat was once again brushed clean and his boots bore a mirror finish. Again, Chin Lo refused any gratuity from Elijah.

On the Tuesday following the conclusion of the trials of Helen and Vincent Marks, Julia and Jenny came to Elijah's office, both deeply troubled. Jenny Sheffield disclosed that her mother, Georgia Sheffield had attempted to extort money from Lenny, Jenny's married sister. Lenny's husband...

"Lenny?" Elijah inquired; unsure whom this Lenny might be.

"Eleanor. My younger sister," Jenny explained. "We've called her Lenny for all of her life so it is natural that I would refer to her as such."

"My pardon; please continue," Elijah offered.

"At any rate, upon overhearing our mother demanding money from his wife Lenny, Eleanor's husband, Mr. Rose asked my, our mother what she needed the money for, inquired her how much she might have need of," Jenny continued with the tale of woe.

"And how much does your mother need?" Elijah inquired, thinking he might be able to assist the Sheffield women in this, their time of need.

"She had no need. She has no need," Jenny stated angrily. "But in truth, her needs, our needs are never of importance; it is what she wants, what she wanted."

"Hmm. And, what was it that she might want?" Elijah asked.

"Mrs. Timmons, she is the widowed sister of our landlady, Mrs. McDermott," Jenny stated. "She has a dress for sale and my, our mother wants that gown. So, she thought to demand the money, demand just a tad more and she would have enough for the dress and a visit to Miss Duboch; she is the woman that styles ladies hair."

"And, I suspect the good businessman, Mr. Rose did not demur to your mother's wishes?" Elijah guessed.

"He was of a mind to," Jenny stated. "Our mother claimed we were in arrears to Mrs. McDermott and Mr. Rose was only too happy to lend her the funds."

"Then, what, pray tell..." Elijah asked.

"She'd demanded forty dollars," Jenny said.

"Forty!" Elijah asked, startled by the exorbitant figure.

"In truth she owed Mrs. McDermott but twelve dollars. Mr. Rose did pay that sum but told my mother it was high time she and her brood depart Sopopaya and Mrs. McDermott did agree," Jenny concluded.

"Daddy, she, I, Jenny is my best friend," Julia implored.

"Yes, yes, I do understand," Elijah agreed. "And, at present, I have been keeping company with Jenny as well."

"So, Daddy, please, we, we cannot, she cannot leave," Julia begged.

"Henny..." Jenny started.

"Wait, I thought her name was Lenny?" Elijah said.

"Hmm? Oh, oh no, Lenny is my younger sister. Henny, Henrietta is my elder sister," Jenny explained, tittering at his confusion.

"Henny, Lenny, Jenny," Elijah waved his hand in dismissal. "What, pray tell, would your mother's name be? Benny?"

"No, silly," Jenny laughed. "She is Georgia."

"But the baby sister is Penny," Julia chimed in, also laughing at her father's confusion.

"But Henny has informed our mother she is being courted by a Major Trappey and shall not be departing Sopopaya for California," Jenny resumed her tale.

"Nor shall you depart Sopopaya," Elijah stated, standing and embracing Jenny.

"That is, if you so wish," Elijah murmured into Jenny's ear.

"I do, I do so wish to stay here," Jenny breathed. "Stay here with you and with my dearest, closest of friends, Julia."

"Then we should tell your mother forthwith," Elijah declared.

"But, Mr. Webber," Jenny said, losing her happy mood. "There is the matter of Julia's mother and your wife, is there not?"

Elijah was brought up short by Jenny's declaration. So happy had he been to rid himself of the dour, spiteful Helen, he'd not remembered that Helen, for all of her faults, was Julia's mother. He looked over the top of Jenny's head to his daughter.

"Oh, do not fret; she has been found guilty and shall be hanged," Julia stated, embracing Jenny.

"Julia, do not, do not sound happy of that," Elijah reproached his daughter.

"I am not," Julia stated. "Merely relieved."

Georgia was in a foul mood; she'd not been able to manipulate her eldest daughter. Nor had she been able to extort funds from her third child. Lenny had always been so malleable, so desperate for her mother's approval that Georgia delighted in manipulating the child. Of course, the more Lenny attempted to gain her mother's favor, the more Georgia despised the weak-willed girl.

But Lenny had somehow grown a backbone; obviously her husband had found the key to unlocking Georgia's hold on the girl. Then, Henny, her eldest, truly her mother's child, had ensnared a beau for herself, and Henny and Henny's beau would do nothing to assist Georgia.

Elijah saw and understood all of this as he sat with Mrs. Sheffield in the parlor of the McDermott boarding house. The conversation with Jenny had been illuminating in its own rights. But Elijah had long ago learned to read a person's face, even a person as skilled at deception as Georgia Sheffield.

Elijah smiled as he assured the unhappy matron that he would care for Jenny with a firm hand. He caused the woman to color when he stated, as a minister, a man of God, his income would not be much, but Jenny should never need for anything. His smile did not waver as she attempted to persuade Elijah that she was no mercenary soul; she was not so much concerned with his income as she was concerned for the welfare of her dear Jenny.

"Again, I assure you, her needs shall be met. And she shall be guided with a firm, loving hand and the word of God," Elijah assured the matron.

'Spare Not the Rod' by B. A. Firmmaster did detail the use of a wooden spool with leather thong to create a 'bridle' of sorts. Placed in the mouth and fastened securely behind the head of the submissive, the dowel or spool did muffle the wearer. When in place, all that could be heard were the grunts and moans of the wearer.

"Gag. It is called a gag," Elijah thought as his ears were assaulted by the constant mindless chatter of Jenny and Julia. The two girls traipsed along just in front of himself as they traversed the wooden walkway from McDermott boarding house to the Desert Rose Hotel for their evening meal.

"And it shall muffle the exclamations, the cries of pleasure," Elijah thought, feeling his manhood begin to swell as he glanced upon Jenny's firm, round buttocks in her form fitting gown.

"A scold box," Elijah thought as they idled over coffee and an excellent buttermilk pie.

The two girls had not ceased with their chatter for the entirety of the excellent meal. Their tongues wagged and waggled but in truth, neither young woman had said anything of note.

"Because they've not experienced anything of note," Elijah thought, glancing upon Jenny's ample bosom.

"Ah, Reverend Webber," Captain Fitzmorris stated, coming to attention at the Reverend's right elbow.

Captain Fitzmorris, how wonderful to see you again," Elijah smiled. "Captain, may I present my daughter, Julia Webber and her friend, Jenny Sheffield?"

"Charmed, ladies," the man said, bowing.

Captain Fitzmorris delivered the message from Colonel Danbridge that the executions of Helen Webber and Vincent Marks were to be carried out on Friday, at dawn. Then, in a quiet voice, the Captain informed Elijah that there would be another card game at Colonel Danbridge's quarters Friday evening.

"Please inform the Colonel that I shall be in attendance of both events," Elijah relayed and the man bowed again and departed the dining room.

To his surprise and his consternation, both Julia and Jenny did request that they be allowed to attend the execution of Helen and Vincent. Rather than forbid this outright, Elijah inquired their reasoning.

"For years, they conspired to keep me from you; I wish to see them punished for their sins," Julia stated, voice hard.

The gleam in her eye was slightly unsettling to Elijah. However, he could not fault her logic. Without giving or denying consent, he simply turned to hear Jenny's reasons for wishing to witness the somewhat gruesome occurrence.

"We are betrothed, are we not?" Jenny inquired, fixing Elijah with a steady gaze.

"Yes, that we are," Elijah affirmed. "I did approach your mother with the demand that we be allowed to join together in the sacred bonds of matrimony."

"Then, it is my desire to be certain that your former wife shall not impede our joining in the bonds of matrimony," Jenny declared.

"Very well. In truth, the two of you have unsettled me with your desire to witness this gruesome endeavor but your logic cannot be disputed," Elijah said thoughtfully.

He did note the satisfied looks the two girls wore. As a man of God, he had witnessed a few executions; mostly by hanging but also two by firing squad. He had not relished any of these events, though each execution had been merited. He quietly prayed for the souls of Helen and Vincent, although he was sure neither Helen nor Vincent had wasted any prayers on him before, during, or after they'd lighted the blaze that consumed himself and his church.

On the morning of the execution, Reverend Elijah hitched four horses to the old wagon. He helped his daughter into the seat, then guided the horses to the McDermott house. Jenny was seated in the parlor, sleepily awaiting the Webbers. Soon, though, the chatter, the endless chatter of Julia did revive Jenny.

The gallows had been completed the previous evening. A single noose was suspended from a pulley, dangling but a few feet above the trap door. Elijah, Julia, and Jenny were shown to their seats, near to where Colonel Danbridge, in full military dress was already seated. The man did rise and did flirt, albeit clumsily with Julia and Jenny.

The previous evening, Captain Fitzmorris had approached Reverend Webber in the parlor of the Webber home and asked if he might fetch an attractive gown for Helen Webber to wear for this occasion. Finding a fashionable dress among her selection of dresses was somewhat difficult; Helen had not cared much for fashion. With Julia's assistance, the men sent three gowns from her wardrobe for Helen to choose from.

Elijah noted she had selected the simple burgundy gown for her execution. Her gait was even, measured steps and her gaze was unblinking as she was led from stockade to gallows.

"Any final words?" Major Thornsen inquired, Bible in his hand.

"Damn you all to hell," Helen said simply, hatred in her eyes.

A black cloth sack was first placed over her head. Then, the noose was worked down over the sack and brought to bear about Helen's throat, resting just underneath her chin.

The heavy cloth sack did muffle her words, but Reverend Elijah and Major Thornsen did recognize Psalm 23.

At a nod from Colonel Danbridge, a man in the dress uniform of a Captain briskly jerked the lever back and the trap door beneath Helen's feet gave way. Julia and Jenny both jumped and gasped when Helen abruptly fell beneath the raised platform, disappearing from sight.

A moment later, a muffled voice called out 'all clear!' and the captain slowly cranked a winch, raising the noose again. He worked a second winch, lifting the trap door and locking it in place.

A moment later, Vincent Marks was led from the stockade. Unlike Helen's dignified gait, Vincent had to be dragged to the gallows. He begged for mercy, begged for forgiveness. Upon seeing the seated Elijah and Julia, Vincent tried to break from his gaurds and charge at Elijah.

"Any final words?" Major Thornsen asked, face a mask of disdain for the condemned man.

"I have sinned and I do atone for my sins," Vincent snuffled, then fixed Elijah with a hard glare. "Shall you atone for your sins, Reverend?"

Elijah's smirk infuriated the condemned man and he again attempted to break free and charge the minister. The guards held fast and the sack and noose were utilized. The moment his guards took a step back, Vincent attempted a break for his freedom. The door swung away and, with a shriek, he plunged from sight.

"O, they, that, that strangles them?" Julia asked, breath trapped in her chest.

"Hmm? No, no, the fall breaks there neck," Elijah quietly said. "No, no, to strangle someone would take much longer and would in fact be quite inhumane."

"How, how long?" Julia asked, small hands going about her own narrow her neck.

"I suppose a matter of a few minutes," Elijah mused, watching Julia's curious movements with a raised eyebrow.

Returning to their home from the fort, Elijah assisted Julia and Jenny down from the wagon. He did, of course use this opportunity to quickly fondle Jenny's delectable rump and she did affectionately slap him for his impertinence.

After placing their horses in the stalls, Elijah walked to the mercantile and entered the large single room. There were no other customers about as he strode from door to counter where Mrs. Daniel Rose and a dusky skinned girl sat, perched upon stools behind the counter.

"Mrs. Rose," Elijah smiled at the chubby young wife.

"Reverend," she smiled.

"Hola," a girl of either Mexican or Indian heritage greeted the minister.

"Mrs. Rose, would you perchance have any jewelry? I intend to wed your sister, Jennifer and would like to purchase a small band, a token of our intent to marry," Elijah inquired, placing a finger to his lips to indicate that Mrs. Rose should keep this information to herself.

"How wonderful," Lenny said happily, sliding from her perch upon her stool. "Right over here; we keep them locked out of sight."

"Well, obviously," Elijah agreed. "And where, pray tell, is your husband?"

"At this moment? He did say he had important business to attend to with Mr. Roberts," Lenny said, unlocking a cabinet.

"Mr. Roberts? The attorney?" Elijah wondered aloud.

The other girl said something in Spanish and she and Lenny shared a giggle. Elijah looked over the selection of rings and decided he would likewise wear a band, signifying his status as a married man.

He did not let on that he understood Spanish. Elijah did not let on that he understood the dark skinned girl to say that she would gladly have sex with the handsome, young blond haired attorney.

"Mrs. Rose, I would like this band, the one with the two stones," Elijah indicated. "And, this simple band; hmm, the maker seems to have engraved a small cross? Well, isn't that just fitting?"

Elijah nearly dropped both rings when he heard the dark skinned girl speculate whether or not Mr. Roberts was skilled in the bedroom. He fought down both smirk and erection when Mrs. Rose allowed that Rosa, the dark skinned girl would be able to coach Mr. Roberts in bringing satisfaction to herself.

"And if he is of no use?" Lenny continued in their Spanish. "Then I shall pleasure you once he has fallen asleep."

"They do fall asleep very quickly once their pleasure is gained," Rosa agreed.

"Thank you, Mrs. Rose, Rosa," Elijah said, taking the two rings with him.

"Combs? I see that you both wear such lovely combs in your hair; do you likewise sell those here?"

He bought one set for his bride-to-be and one set for his daughter. Again, he thanked both women, in Spanish. With a hearty laugh at the stupefied expressions on their faces, he left the mercantile.

"Ah, Mr. Rose!" Elijah called out, seeing the man leaving his saloon.

"Reverend," Daniel said, nodding his head.

Elijah noticed that the left side of Daniel's face seemed somewhat puffy. As it was, Daniel's left eye squinted slightly as they stood and conversed. He could also smell liquor on the man's breath but did not chastise the man. After all, he too did imbibe on occasion.

Seeing that the man was in physical discomfort, Elijah kept his conversation brief. Both men did agree that it was good and well that Georgia Sheffield would be departing Sopopaya after the marriage of her eldest daughter. And both did agree that they would not ask the woman to postpone her departure any longer than necessary.

"To be sure, Jenny is a fetching young lass," Daniel smiled, tongue testing a tooth on his left lower jaw. "But I do believe I managed somehow to capture the finest Sheffield woman for my own."

"To be sure," Elijah agreed. "I feel the same way about my Jenny but I do agree you managed to capture a truly fine woman there, my good man."

Arriving home again, Elijah was not surprised that Jenny and Julia were not in sight. Walking stealthily to his study, Elijah did peer through the peephole into Julia's bedchambers. His cock, which had been swelling from the moment he'd entered his home and had not seen the two girls now sprang to full erection as he peered in on their lovemakeing.

Jenny was reclined, limbs spread apart while Julia straddled Jenny. Julia had her hands about Jenny's slim neck and Elijah could see that they'd been at this play for a few moments. Jenny's face was reddening as Julia's small hands strangled Jenny's flow of air.

"No more," Jenny weakly croaked.

Yet Julia did not relinquish her grip about Jenny's throat. The red coloring became darker. Jenny's lovely blue eyes widened and she struggled against Julia.

Just when Elijah was about to stride rapidly from study to Julia's chambers, Julia released her hold about Jenny's neck and the blonde gasped a deep breath. Elijah watched as Jenny's face regained its usual pale coloring. He watched as the two nude girls kissed with a ferocity and desire he could not help but envy.

"Perhaps I shall coax that same ardor..." Elijah murmured as he spied upon their kisses and touches.

Knowing that the card game would be a lengthy one, Elijah did nap briefly. To his great pleasure, Jenny had prepared a meal for himself and for Julia and Jenny. Both young ladies squealed happily when gifted with their hair combs and assisted one another in affixing the combs to their tresses.

"And this, this is tortoise shell," Julia declared happily.

"Oh, Elijah, it, it is too much," Jenny protested but Elijah did notice that she made no move to relinquish the small token of his admiration.

That evening, Colonel Danbridge announced that he and Elijah were not to be paired with one another. Elijah said nothing as he regarded Captain Fitzmorris and Major Wright with a raised eyebrow.

"No, no, these two do believe that somehow you and I, a man of God and a commanding officer are somehow cheating at cards," Colonel Danbridge announced.

"Sir, no one, no one said that the two of you are cheating," Major Wright protested.

"Very well," Elijah said. "So, gentlemen, please cut the cards. Highest card shall be my partner for this evening."

"In truth, it should be the lowest card; I intend to be the victor. Therefore, my partner will likewise be victorious," Colonel Danbridge stated, smirking.

"Oh, do assuage his ego," Elijah smirked. "Lower card will pair with me."

Major Wright smirked as he drew a four of clubs. Captain Fitzmorris nodded with satisfaction as he displayed the seven of hearts.

Elijah noticed a curious pattern with Chin Lo. At various times, she would place the drinks to a player's left or right. It seemed to be an odd pattern with no real rhyme or reason to it. Elijah took to placing his lowest card on the outside of his hand and closing his hand together when he heard the diminutive woman's shuffling gait approach. Glancing to his left, he noticed the colonel pursing his lips in consternation more than once.

"Madame, if you would," Elijah said when the small woman grabbed his glass. "Just water, please."

"Same for me," Major Wright agreed.

As the alcohol continued to flow for Captain Fitzmorris and Colonel Danbridge, as Elijah continued to safeguard against any subtle signals Chin Lo might be giving to Colonel Danbridge, Elijah and Major Wright continued to win. Elijah noticed that Colonel Danbridge's swats to Chin Lo's posterior, normally flirtatious in nature were quite aggressive. Elijah noticed Chin Lo's face bore the look of resignation.

"The hour grows late," Elijah said as he lay down his last card.

"No, no, you, I will win my money," Colonel Danbridge demanded drunkenly.

"Perhaps some other time," Elijah demurred. "Gentlemen, a good night to you."

Chin Lo was silent as she handed Elijah his brushed coat. Her soft, gentle nature was not present; she was subdued.

"You are a wise man," Chin Lo affirmed Elijah's suspicions that she had somehow given her master subtle hints on the cards of the opposing players.

"It is not difficult for an observant man," Elijah said.

"But, most men are not observant," Chin Lo said and gave Elijah one of the few smiles she'd displayed that evening.

"But you, you are a loyal servant, one worthy of admiration," Elijah praised and she hid her pleasure at his words.

The next Friday, Elijah declined Colonel Danbridge's invitation for cards. His excuse was that the wedding of Major Trappey and Henrietta Sheffield would be performed on the following day and he would be escorting Jennifer Sheffield.

"Come, man, we will be finished long before the ceremony," the man barked. "You've nearly seventy of my dollars, man!"

"Thirty seven dollars," Elijah smiled. "After all, I did split my winnings with Major Wright."

"Saturday, then," Colonel Danbridge ordered. "We'll resume play on Saturday after the ceremony.

"And then I tend to my flock on Sunday," Elijah reminded the man. "Shall we say, the following Friday?"

Elijah hoped that he would be able to excuse his absence on the following Friday as well. Thinking of Jenny Sheffield, he smiled. Perhaps his own wedding would suffice as a convenient excuse?

"After all, my arm does grow weary of relieving my own pent-up needs," Elijah smiled.

Remembering Jenny had made mention of a dress, a gown that Mrs. Timmons had for sale, a dress that Georgia Sheffield desired, Elijah went to see the attractive widow. Mrs. Timmons did recall the dress and brought it out for Elijah's inspection. Determining that it was the approximate size for Jenny, Elijah purchased the gown for Jenny to wear to her sister's wedding ceremony. He likewise bought another gown for his daughter. Then he suggested he would be commissioning a bridal gown for the young Jennifer Sheffield in the very near future.

"Oh how delightful! How truly delightful! Well, I have several patterns to choose from," the woman smiled a very happy smile. "And Mr. Rose? Who owns the mercantile? I purchase my fabrics from him and he is quite generous with his discounted prices to myself. See, I made the gown for his beloved Eleanor, oh! He does dote so upon her and..."

Elijah took his leave; her prattle was of little import to him. He said Jenny and Julia would be along within the hour to verify the fit of the gowns.

"Dear Lord, woman. As Proverbs twenty one twenty three does say, a loose tongue may get into tight places..." Elijah said, then smiled, thinking of putting his tongue into a tight blonde place.

Jenny was delighted and laughed happily when Elijah informed her that she would have the very gown her mother had desired should be hers. Julia was also delighted that she should have a new gown for the wedding of Jenny's sister. Both girls scampered away to Mrs. Timmons' home for any alterations to their gowns that might be needed.

The wedding ceremony was overlong, fraught with much military pomp and circumstance. Several times during the tedious wedding, Elijah did notice with some perverse enjoyment Georgia Sheffield glowering at her Jenny. No doubt Georgia Sheffield recognized the fetching cornflower blue dress that Jenny wore.

"In truth, that gown is quite beautiful on you," Elijah whispered into Jenny's ear.

With a light squeal and giggle, Jenny squeezed his arm. She then turned and gave her mother her most innocent look.

Finally, just when the patience of all guests had been taxed to the breaking point, Major Thornsen declared the Major and his bride to be joined in the bonds of matrimony. The pair cemented the union with a very proper kiss. They all paraded to the mess hall for the wedding feast. Someone had butchered a bison and Elijah thoroughly enjoyed his first taste of the animal.

After the feast, the dancing began. Some young bucks did come and ask Elijah for his permission to dance with Julia and Jennifer. After verifying that the two girls were agreeable, he gave his assent.

As the girls were occupied, Elijah approached Major Thornsen to see about arranging his own marriage. The man smirked in understanding when Elijah cautioned that he did not wish a full military ceremony for himself and his Jennifer.

"It is all just a trifle overdone, is it not? Welcome to the way the military comports itself," the man agreed. "I've official business I must attend in Santa Fe on Thursday; I shall not be done until Monday, possibly Tuesday of the following week. The Saturday after next, if you are agreeable?"

"If I could, I would request it sooner," Elijah smiled, seeing his betrothed whirling about the dance floor, a beatific smile upon her face.

"Agreed," Major Thornsen smiled. "The Saturday after next then."

"Thank you, sir," Elijah said, shaking the man's hand.

The young man thought to keep Jennifer on the floor for another tune but a large hand upon his shoulder discouraged his intentions. Jennifer laughed happily as her man took her into his arms and did a lively step with her. She grinned and shrugged her shoulders when Elijah asked if she had fancied the young man.

"Oh, perhaps," she teased.

"But Elijah, in truth, you are the man I truly fancy," she whispered as she clung to him.

Jennifer did enjoy several dances; making sure not to dance more than twice with the same man. But each time her betrothed approached, Jennifer went to him.

Julia likewise stayed upon the dance floor. She was a terrible flirt, dangling sweet promises in front of the randy young men. She had no intention of delivering any favors to these young men; she was merely amusing herself at their expense.

More than one young man scowled as the tall reverend escorted both young beauties away as dusk approached. Elijah did remind these young men that Julia would be attending the morning services; perhaps they could attend the services then ask to call upon her afterward?

"The hotel does serve a fine noon meal," Elijah suggested to these young military men. "Perhaps after the service you might escort Julia for their fried ham steaks?"

With some soft kisses, Elijah and Jenny departed. She entered the hotel where she and her mother and two sisters were now ensconced stayed after being evicted from Mrs. McDermott's boarding house. Elijah did think it prudent to suggest that Jenny might stay in Julia's room after tomorrow. After all, the Sheffield women had infringed on Daniel Rose's generosity for far too long.

Both Jenny and Julia were delighted by this suggestion. After their lunch; the hotel truly did have a wonderful ham steak for lunch, Jenny and Julia ran up to the room the Sheffield women had occupied. After they each dragged a footlocker down, Jenny indicated that there were three medium size valises of Jenny's still in the room. Elijah gave a colored porter a fifty cent piece and the man happily gathered those three pieces as well.

"You have wished your mother and, which one is it?" Elijah inquired as he prepared to carry the footlocker.

"Penny, Penelope," Jenny smiled. "Yes, yes, I have wished them both a safe journey."

"And, when it becomes your time to depart, dear Julia," Elijah groaned under the weight of the bulky luggage. "I shall have to do this again."

Behind his back, Julia and Jenny shared a smirk. Julia had no plans to marry, had no plans to depart her father's house. In truth, she supposed she was fated to be a spinster.

A few days after taking residence in the Webber home, Jenny stood by the window of the bedroom, gazing out onto the path. There was some pedestrian traffic and the occasional wagon or coach. But for the most part, the path was idle.

"Jennifer?" Elijah asked.

"Hmm? Oh, Elijah, did you need me?" Jenny asked, turning to face him.

"No, no, but where is Julia?" Elijah asked.

"She is with Mrs. Timmons; she says she needed to have an adjustment done on her gown," Jenny snapped, turning to look out the window again.

In truth, Jenny did not believe Julia's explanation. The gown had fitted perfectly fine when Mrs. Timmons had finished with the first adjustments. She felt a surge of jealousy in her core.

"Mm. It does sound like you are peeved for some reason," Elijah said, stepping behind her.

"Oh, I am not," Jenny argued, settling back against his strong embrace.

"Jenny," Elijah smiled, gathering her left wrist and her right wrist into his hand.

"Oh, perhaps I might be," she conceded. "I am, I thought I was her best friend."

"And? Your best friend; she is not allowed to have other friends?" Elijah asked, bringing Jenny's wrists behind her back.

"It is not, no. I, oh, I know it is selfish of me, but no. I do not want her to have other friends," Jenny admitted, tilting her head to the side as he gently kissed her on her neck.

Elijah said nothing as he gently bit down upon her neck. She shivered and attempted to twist in his arms so that she might hug him. But he held her firmly in place.

"Elijah, Reverend Webber," she giggled as he held her fast.

"Hmm?" he asked as he continued to kiss her neck and shoulder.

"Let me go, release me," she giggled, struggling weakly.

"My dear Jennifer, suppose I refuse to release you?" he whispered into her ear. "Suppose I tell you that I plan to have you securely bound?"

"Oh! I, you, you wouldn't... You wouldn't," Jenny gasped, leaning back heavily against his chest.

"I most certainly would. That I can promise you," Elijah said, finally releasing her hands.

"Oh! Oh, of course," Jenny said, whirling and putting her arms around his neck. "The bonds, the bonds of matrimony."

"You are so very astute, my dear Jennifer," Elijah murmured as they kissed.

"Dinner!" Jenny stated, breaking their embrace. "If I don't begin, it'll be nearly midnight before we should eat."

Elijah stepped into his bedchamber and looked at his handiwork. The two pieces of wood were joined in the center, creating a seven foot by seven foot '+' with one length of wood perfectly vertical and the other perfectly horizontal. At the end of each four inch thick by six inch wide board were two loops of leather. Each loop of leather could be adjusted by buckles; it was, in Elijah's estimate, a quite ingenious piece of craftsmanship.

"Do you trust me, my dear Jennifer?" Elijah quietly asked the unseen girl as he picked up a single strip of leather.

There was a buckle on one end and holes for the buckle along the other end. Directly in the center of the one inch wide strap was a wooden dowel that was two inches in circumference. Elijah's manhood gave a strong lurch as he imagined his bride on their wedding night, wearing this gag strapped about her beautiful head, muffling her groans and her cries of passion.

The morning before the day of their wedding, Elijah had wrestled with his conscience and had made his decision; he must divulge to his bride what he had planned for her. His small valise was packed; he would be staying at the Desert Rose Hotel while Jennifer and Julia stayed within their home. The two would spend the following morning readying themselves for the wedding ceremony. Safely removed, Elijah would not accidentally happen upon his bride before their ceremony. He would not see her in her wedding dress before the ceremony.

"What an odd superstition," Elijah mused to himself. "But then again, most superstitions are odd, silly in their nature."

"But, once she is made fully aware..." Elijah murmured, placing the small tome of 'The Feather's Stroke' by BA Firmmaster into his valise.

"Well, there may very well be no ceremony," Elijah mused, recalling Helen's shock and revulsion upon discovery of her husband's somewhat odd peccadilloes.

"Oh, dear husband!" Jenny called out playfully as Elijah stepped from his room just as she was exiting Julia's bedchamber.

"Ah, dear wife," Elijah forced a smile to his lips.

"What, what is it, Elijah?" Jenny asked at once, losing her happy smile.

"My, my dear Jennifer, please, please do come here," Elijah invited, opening his bedroom door once more.

"Why, Reverend Webber," Jenny attempted to tease. "We are not man and wife yet; you wish me to come to your chamber?"

"Come hither, you impertinent vixen," Elijah smiled at her teasing.

"Oh! You, you have a cross? In your room?" Jenny asked, seeing the wooden implement leaning against the far wall.

"It is actually called a St. Andrew's Cross," Elijah agreed.

"And we, we shall keep this? In this room?" Jenny asked curiously as she gingerly touched the polished wood.

"We shall," Elijah concurred, tilting the '+' onto its side, creating a very large 'X' against the wall. "Would there be a more fitting room, my dear?"

Jennifer looked at the 'X' for a moment. She looked at the leather straps at the ends of the wooden creation, then looked at Elijah for explanation.

"The hands, the wrists actually, the wrists are placed so..." Elijah said, touching the elevated ends. "Then the feet, the ankles are secured down here.

Jennifer looked intently at the cross. Subconsciously, she lightly ran the fingers of her left hand along her right wrist. Abruptly, she turned and scampered from the room. Elijah heard the door of Julia's room slam shut.

With a heavy heart, Elijah grabbed his valise. There was no response from the other side of the door as he called out that he was leaving; he would be at the Desert Rose Hotel.

In his hotel room, Elijah read the novella. In the span of an hour, he tossed the book into his valise. The protagonist of the book was a most vile man; there was no love in his touch. He bound and tickled his wife and his three step-daughters with no thought of pleasuring the subservient women. Elijah did give Monsieur Caldridge a grudging nod of approval; the man would only orally copulate with and sodomize the step-daughters, thus leaving their maidenheads intact for their betrothed to claim. Even as he used his mouth upon their clitoris, he would cease just before their climaxes, manipulating their urges. Then, brandishing the cursed feather from the peacock's tail, he would tickle their privates until they cried out in their climax.

Elijah drew his battered Bible from his valise and read for a bit. When his eyes grew heavy, he finally stretched out on the surprisingly comfortable mattress and slumbered.

In the morning, after a pleasant morning meal in the hotel's dining room, Elijah decided to splurge on a visit to the barber. After a hot bath, he received a haircut and a shave. Then he wandered across the lobby of the Desert Rose Hotel and up the stairs to his room. There, he donned his best suit, packed his valise and left the room.

Setting his jaw firmly, Elijah strode to his church. He saw that some people had already arrived. Stepping into his sanctuary, Elijah quietly greeted his guests, shaking hands with the men, bowing to the women. He placed his valise inside of his office, then walked to where Major Thornsen stood, smiling.

"Nervous?" Daniel, acting as Elijah's groomsman smiled.

"Have you seen someone about that, I assume it is a tooth?" Elijah asked; Daniel's face was puffy and Daniel could not force his left eye open.

"I shall be seeing Dr. Breedlove on the morning of this Monday coming," Daniel said, the pain in his lower left jaw making his speech slurred and heavy with spittle.

"Best of luck to you," Elijah agreed; Dr. Breedlove was not thought of very highly in the community. "I shall pray for your deliverance."

"In truth, I've more faith in your prayers than in his skills," Daniel smiled tersely.

"In truth," Elijah agreed and again glanced toward the rear of his church.

"Nervous?" Daniel again asked as Elijah fidgeted.

"Yes," Elijah said, smiling tightly.

"For it is my little peccadillo that that drove my Helen and her fool brother to try and kill me," Elijah thought. "Will my salacious tastes drive my Jennifer away as well?"

With a smile to Daniel, Rosa, Daniel's servant stepped to the piano. She began playing a soft melody, lost in her music. Elijah thought he might ask the young woman to play for their service; he did not care for the playing of the volunteer that played on Sundays. And despite the piano lessons he'd paid for, Julia's playing was wooden, disjointed.

Suddenly, Rosa began to hammer out 'The Wedding March.' Elijah felt his heart leap with hope as the chords rang out in the sparsely attended church.

Julia stepped up the aisle, wearing a knowing little smirk on her pretty face. She shook her head slightly at her father, then stepped to the side. Rosa's playing increased in volume and, clinging onto the arm of her brother-in-law, Major Trappey, Jennifer Sheffield slowly made her way to where Elijah stood.

Major Thornsen was true to his word; he did not draw the ceremony out for overlong. After reading some Scriptural passages about marriage, he had Elijah recite his vows, pledging to care for his wife.

Looking deeply into Elijah's dark eyes, Jenny quietly, solemnly pledged her obedience to her husband. Her eyes were unblinking as she emphasized the word 'obedience.'

When Major Thornsen declared that they should kiss, Jennifer's kiss was smoldering with passion. Her arms clung tightly to her husband. Major Thornsen cleared his throat and, with a delightful blush and an elated giggle, Jennifer pulled her lips from Elijah's lips. She smiled widely at her husband, then at the church's attendees.

During a quiet moment as they ate a delicious meal in the Desert Rose Hotel's dining room, Elijah confessed he'd been uncertain whether they would be wed or not. Jennifer smiled, resting her small hand on his large hand.

"My dear husband," Jennifer said, voice low. "My mother, my mother is not here. She is not here to stifle me and she is not here to pluck me away."

With an ardent kiss to his lips, she continued, "I am at your mercy, my dear husband. Should I displease you, should you abandon me to survive on my own? I fear I shall not fare too well."

She delivered another kiss and continued, "But if I serve you well and please you, why then, I shall want for naught, true?"

"True," Elijah agreed with a smile.

"And, I must confess, now that we are wed and none shall tear this union, this bond from us?" Jennifer said, a little twinkle in her eye. "I've been in your study."

"Oh?" Elijah inquired, eyebrow cocked.

"Quite clever indeed; the series of mirror placement," Jennifer said.

"Hmm? That? Oh that was done by..." Elijah hastened to inform Jennifer.

"Oh, I know you've not had enough time to construct the means and method," Jennifer assured him. "But I am quite certain you've availed yourself a few glances into the opening between study and Julia's bedchamber."

"In truth, I have," Elijah admitted, having no need to lie.

"Naughty, naughty," Jennifer playfully chided him. "Perhaps we'd do well to deliver a few stripes to your posterior?"

"Oh no ma'am, I do not believe," Elijah stated, then smiled at Jennifer's cheeky smile.

"But tiring quickly of peeking through the spyhole, I did look at your desk," Jennifer said, then turned to greet Lenny, her younger sister. "Yes, yes, it was a lovely ceremony, wasn't it?"

Major Trappey drunkenly congratulated the happy couple. Elijah noted that Major Trappey's words did not reach his eyes. He also noted Henny's self-satisfied expression.

"Enjoy this day, friend, enjoy this day," Major Trappey said, slapping Elijah a little too forcefully on his shoulder.

"It'll be the last moment of peace you'll enjoy," the man muttered as Henny and Jenny squealed at one another.

"After reading some of the titles, I did purloin your book, Spare Not the Rod," Jennifer continued their conversation as her two sisters sauntered away.

"Did you now?" Elijah asked, remembering he'd not been able to locate the book for a few days.

"So, when you showed me the St. Andrew's Cross, which the book had described both the construction of and the function of, I, my, my insides did become weak. I ran to Julia's room so that I could collapse onto her bed," Jennifer confessed then smiled happily as the staff wheeled their wedding cake into the dining room.

"My dear, our cake is waiting for our knife," Elijah said, wondering what other secrets his wife might divulge.

"Had you made use of the spy hole, you would have seen my dress up about my waist, my fingers but a blur as I sought to quench the fires in my loins," Jennifer smiled as she and Elijah made the first cut into their cake.

"I do love you, and I do adore you," Elijah declared happily.

"And I love you and trust you completely," Jennifer said, bringing her lips to his.

Daniel proposed a toast to the newly married couple, raising a glass of his Iron Barrel whiskey. Elijah and Jennifer were given glasses of the strong liquor and held their glasses aloft as Daniel wished them a long and fruitful union. Daniel wished them many years of joy together.

Elijah smiled as Jennifer did let out a gasp and splutter as the harsh whiskey burned her esophagus. She waited until he'd finished his own glass before pressing her still quite full glass into his hand.

Raising his glass, Elijah saw his daughter Julia in conversation with Mrs. Timmons. Looking at the dress his daughter wore, looking at the gown his bride wore, Elijah deigned to have a conversation with the dressmaker.

"Father, I, if it meet with your approval, I shall be staying with Mrs. Timmons this evening," Julia said before Elijah could speak with Mrs. Timmons.

"After all, a husband and his new bride should enjoy some um, privacy on their wedding night," Abigail Timmons offered, blushing hotly.

Elijah looked at the secretive, smug expression on his daughter's face. Again looking at the older woman's blush, Elijah smiled a knowing smile yet nodded his approval.

"Yes, and thank you for such a thoughtful gesture," Elijah said to the dressmaker. "I'd come over to once again compliment you on the most beautiful dresses you supplied to my bride and of course, to my daughter. Your skills, your handiwork are quite lovely indeed."

"Yes, yes, she does have magic fingers," Julia proclaimed, causing another blush to cross Abigail's face.

After a few more moments spent in idle chit chat with friends and well-wishers, Elijah found his bride once more. Quietly, he asked should she wish to depart.

"I, perhaps I should have another drink?" Jennifer blurted out, suddenly looking somewhat uncertain.

"We've a bottle or two; my brother in law seemed quite fond of Daniel Rose's liquor," Elijah assured the young blonde.

"Ah then, I, yes, I suppose we should," Jennifer said, eyes glancing about.

"My darling Jennifer," Elijah murmured, taking her into his arms.

"I, oh, oh Elijah, suppose I should fail to please you?" Jennifer whispered urgently into his ear.

"Why then, I should discipline you," Elijah assured her.

Softly he kissed her trembling lips. Again, he squeezed her in a tight embrace and smiled into her fearful eyes.

"My dear, darling Jennifer. Since Adam and Eve, man and woman has been uncertain of the mechanics. Man and woman has fumbled about, not sure of what to do or how to do it. But somehow they persevered. Somehow we continue to populate God's Earth with children, despite the uncertainties. Fear not; we shall fumble together."

"You shall not fumble," Jennifer declared, a small twinkle coming to her eye. "After all, this is but old hat to you."

"Ah? Old hat perhaps. But with new gloves?" Elijah suggested and Jennifer gasped, giggled, and playfully slapped his arm for his impertinence.

With that, the newlyweds did take their leave. Walking to their home, Elijah held fast to her hand. She beamed up at him as he strode, silent thoughts in his mind.

Inside of their home, his thoughts continued to plague him, even as he poured them a glass of whiskey each. Gently she touched his face and he glanced at her.

"You are troubled," she stated, blue eyes searching his dark eyes.

"My Helen, the mother of my beloved Julia," Elijah murmured. "She was repulsed by my curious desires, my demanding nature."

"And I welcome these desires," Jennifer assured him, a rosy hue coloring her cheeks.

Sipping the amber liquid, Jennifer allowed a small tremor to pass. Then, stepping up, she kissed her husband on his lips.

"I am yours," Jennifer assured him, voice a soft whisper.

"In truth?" he asked, peering into her eyes.

"In truth," she assured him.

He turned the wick of the oil lamp down, casting shadows about their bedchamber. He smiled; despite all of her brave words and declarations, her apprehension was evident. He eased his feet from his boots then bade her sit upon their bed. He smiled; her feet did not reach the floor when her posterior was firmly upon the edge of the mattress. He resolved to build a small step for her to make the chore of climbing into and out of their bed easier for her.

Using a buttonhook, Elijah unfastened her boots. He then took her small feet into his hands and massaged the reddened feet; apparently her new boots were still somewhat stiff. She sighed with contentment as he rubbed her feet.

"The buttons in front are simply for decoration," she informed him when he stood and moved to unbutton her wedding dress.

The hooks in the rear of her gown were unfastened quickly enough and he soon gazed upon her smooth, pale back. She peered over her shoulder at him, eyes questioning his approval. He smiled and nodded his head and she colored slightly but smiled.

Carefully peeling the gown from her shoulders and arms, Elijah bared Jenny's torso to his lecherous gaze. Her breasts were round globes that sat proudly on her pale flesh. Each mound was capped with pale pink areolae and each areole was dotted with a thick nipple. Elijah did believe their children would enjoy feasting upon her milk.

The full skirt had been made full by layers upon layers of crinoline. Elijah bade himself to be patient lest he tear her undergarments from her flesh in his haste to fully bare her charms. A giggle from his bride let him know that his frustration was not as private as he had believed.

"Impertinence?" he queried and she giggled again but did not answer his question.

A small ribbon's bow was unknotted by a simple tug and the layers of crinoline fell loose. Elijah slowed his hands; the fabric was quite flimsy to his rough hands.

Her hips, her glorious hips came into view, then the thicket of blonde curls was evident as he eased the layers of cloth down. Soon, her thighs, plump and pale were bared and Elijah managed to finally remove the undergarments in full from his bride, his wife's lush figure.

"Oh my darling, darling Jennifer!" Elijah declared. "What a vision of loveliness."

"Now you. You must bare yourself for my pleasure," Jennifer ordered, demurely placing her hand over her thatch of blonde curls.

She gasped when he bared his scarred torso. Elijah looked up, expecting to see repulsion in his young bride's eyes. Instead, he saw compassion. She stood, sliding to the floor from her perch and slowly approached him.

"My dear, dear husband," she whispered, gently tracing the largest of his burn scars.

She reached up on her toes and softly kissed his lips.

"Does, does it hurt, my husband?" she inquired, again tracing his scars with a gentle touch.

"From your gentle touch? The pain is but a distant memory," Elijah said and she smiled happily.

Turning once more, Jennifer exposed her compact backside to his gaze. His manhood, already fully engorged, gave a lurch, spurting some of his excitement as she bent and wiggled back onto the bed. She performed a graceful roll and sat up again, facing him.

"Come, come, why do you dawdle?" she teased. "We shall both be old and gray before the disrobing concludes."

"You churlish child," Elijah laughed. "You are trying my very nerves."

"And you are trying my very patience. And you should learn and soon, I have but little patience," Jennifer teased.

Elijah dropped his trousers to the floor, fully exposing his rampant manhood, sparsely furred legs and the remainer of his scars. Jennifer's blue eyes were wide as she gaped at the first erect manhood she'd ever seen. It looked impossibly large, like the horn of the rhinocerous she had once seen in a Harrisburg Pennsylvania Zoo when she was a little girl.

"And that..." she mused aloud, then looked at the two heavy orbs in their hairy sack that dangled down beneath his manhood. "And your seed is..."

She gazed once more into his eyes, then held her arms out to welcome him to her embrace, to invite him to their bed.

"Come, come take me," she ordered.

She squealed, then laughed when he rushed to her, scooped her into his arms, then tossed her easily onto the center of their bed. He then lunched onto the bed and pinned her arms above her head in one powerful hand. His other hand toyed with her large breasts while he kissed her gasping and giggling mouth.

Reaching down, Elijah found his bride's cleft was wet with her arousal. Nudging her thighs apart, Elijah pressed the head of his drooling manhood to the mouth of her cleft. There was no maidenhead to hamper his progress; it had been torn away some time earlier during a very frenzied session with Julia. Both groaned loudly as he made his entrance fully into her depths.

"Oh! Oh my husband, my dear, dear husband," Jennifer cried out, her limbs going about his waist, about his torso as he pressed fully within her.

"Dear, darling Jennifer," Elijah moaned.

Within moments, both were grunting, thrusting wildly against one another. Jennifer kissed Elijah's face repeatedly, murmuring words of love, of need.

Soon, far too soon, Elijah stiffened, then brayed. Jennifer did not achieve climax from their joining, but did thoroughly enjoy the coupling. She informed him that she was most eager that they should enjoy one another again.

"Oh, my dear, we are not finished," Elijah informed Jennifer as he lay next to her.

"No?" she inquired, then yelped when he used a handful of her hair to guide her head toward his manhood. Having purloined his book, having read the salacious, ribald prose, Jennifer had a fairly good idea what her husband might desire. She opened her mouth and accepted the tip of his soft member into her mouth.

The taste was most welcome on her tongue. She realized, she was tasting her own essences mingled with his excitement and she shivered as she took more and more of his manhood into her mouth. Her hand crept down to cup her own sex as she used her mouth to arouse her husband, to bring him once more to full staff.

"Ride the horse," Elijah demanded, urging Jennifer to straddle his hips.

She found this declaration quite amusing, but did straddle his hips. Her beautiful eyes opened wide as his length slid into her depths. When she was fully impaled upon his staff, she grunted and shuddered with the sensation. His hands grasped her breasts and she pressed his hands fully against her flesh.

"Oh! Oh my dear husband," she groaned, slowly bucking along the length of his manhood.

"Yes, yes, that's it, ride the horse," Elijah crowed as Jennifer bucked and bounced with abandon.

"Oh, oh my husband!" Jennifer shrieked in climax.

A moment later, he once more stiffened, then bellowed as he pumped her womb full of his seed. She collapsed forward, lying on top of him. When she regained her breath, she rained kisses upon his handsome face.

"Now, when, when shall we..." Jennifer inquired, indicating the St. Andrew's Cross.

"When you have earned some discipline, my darling bride," Elijah murmured, wondering how he should proceed to the next activities.

"Simply take it, man," he told himself as he used her hair once more to bring her willing mouth to his manhood.

"This next act..." Elijah said, gently removing his wife's mouth from his renewed erection.

"Yes my husband?" Jennifer inquired as Elijah brandished a clay jar of pomade.

"... Is best enjoyed upon your hands and knees," Elijah suggested.

"Is, Elijah, is this the sodomy?" Jennifer whispered, cheeks aflame.

Elijah remembered that she had read the book 'Spare Not the Rod' so had read much on the topic of sodomy. He nodded his agreement and she readily assumed the position on her hands and knees, lovely posterior presented for his use.

"Ung!" she grunted when Elijah pressed a well-lubricated finger against her dark little orifice.

"It is but the tip, my darling," Elijah stated.

"Ung!" she grunted once more when he pressed his finger into her nether hole to the first knuckle.

With many gasps and grunts and squeaks, Jennifer gave voice to each action of Elijah's fingers. At no time did she voice disapproval. At no time did Jennifer request that he cease his fingering of her nether hole.

"Now, dear husband, now that my fundament is waiting for your manhood," Jennifer panted when Elijah had three fingers imbedded within her fundament.

"Yes, yes indeed," Elijah agreed, slathering a goodly amount of pomade to his rampant cock.

"Augh! I, oh, oh dear Heavens!" Jennifer groaned loudly when the head of Elijah's manhood pressed against her rapidly constricting anus.

"Too much?" Elijah asked gently.

"No, no, it is just, do be slow though," Jennifer panted as Elijah pressed slowly against her resisting anus.

"Augh! Mmng!" Jennifer groaned as the head of Elijah's cock gained entry, pressing past her struggling sphincter.

Now that his manhood was securely notched within the entry of her fundament, Elijah reached around and grasped Jennifer's hanging breasts. She grunted then gasped out as Elijah's fingers dug into her flesh. She shuddered as his fingers tugged and twisted her nipples.

"Mmng, I, oh, oh dear Elijah!" Jennifer squealed when Elijah tugged forcefully at her nipples.

Using this momentary distraction, Elijah pushed himself a few more inches into her bowels. Elijah congratulated himself for not simply thrusting forward, fully burying himself in the snug furnace that was flowering open to accept him.

"I, oh, what, what are you, OH!" Jennifer gasped then shrieked as Elijah's hand released her breast then diddled her bud of pleasure.

It was Jennifer that thrust back, impaling her posterior on his member. It was Jennifer that bucked, grunted and thrashed. Elijah did well to hold himself within his bride's rectum as she blathered nonsensical words of pleasure.

"Oh, oh dear God!" Elijah groaned and pumped a torrent of semen into his wife's bowels.

"Oh, oh yes, oh my husband, my dear Elijah!" Jennifer squealed when Elijah once more diddled her bud of pleasure.

"Oh. I, I am a sodomite," Jennifer declared a moment later as her husband lovingly sponged her raw anus clean of the pomade and other material.

"How fortunate for me," Elijah chuckled as he cradled his wife's nude body.

Elijah was somewhat slow in his step the following morning at his services. Many of the congregation smiled a knowing smile. Elijah himself also smiled and decided to end the service a few moments sooner than he normally would have concluded the prayers.

"After all, worship is not done with words," he told his congregation. "Worship is done with deeds. Go forth and worship Him with your deeds."

His bride agreed with her husband and urged him to perform those deeds forthwith. Even though it may be daylight, there would be no simple hoisting of dress's him; she bared herself completely and demanded he do the same.

"Oh? You, my wife, believe that you should make demands of me, your husband," he smiled, dark eyes dancing.

Yes!" she smirked, hands on her lovely hips. "Oh! I suppose, somehow this should earn myself some of this much threatened discipline?"

"You do teeter quite close," Elijah stated.

"Oh, pooh," Jennifer sneered, then squealed as her husband scooped her into his arms and tossed her upon their bed. She watched as he jerked open the top dresser drawer of his tall chest.

"Oh! Oh my... What? What is that?" Jennifer asked, seeing the wooden paddle in his hand.

"This? This is a paddle, my dear. After all, you did earn yourself hmm, ten swats with this paddle upon your lovely posterior," Elijah stated, smacking his left palm with the paddle.

"Ten? I should laugh at ten," Jennifer braved stating.

Elijah smirked, his bride had her hands between her tightly clamped thighs, cupping her sex. Her cheeks were flushed a most lovely pink hue and her brilliant blue eyes seemed mesmerized by the short handled wooden paddle he held in his right hand.

"Oh, first, let us see how you accept the ten. And if that does not still your ill-behaved tongue?" Elijah stated, perching himself onto the edge of the bed.

She squirmed, resisting his attempts to perch her across his thighs. Finally, he did manage to grasp her wrists in his hands and bring them behind her back. She was now draped across his thighs, her very lovely posterior thrust upward.

"Oh! I, Elijah!" Jennifer protested when Elijah delivered a resounding 'whack' to her rounded buttocks.

Her bottom was a most lovely shade of pink when he delivered the tenth swat to her pale flesh. Placing the paddle aside, Elijah ran his calloused hand over her smooth flesh. Her pink flesh was quite warm to the touch. Travelling his fingers down through the valley that separated her hillocks, Elijah's fingertips did raze over her tightly clenched bung hole.

"Oh!" Jennifer shivered. "Shall you sodomize me once more?"

Pausing, Elijah chanced a second brushing of her anus. This elicited another shuddering exclamation from her.

Her sex was dripping her excitement, wetting her blonde curls. Her inner lips protruded from her tight slit, puffy and wet. She barked out in pleasure when he drove two thick fingers into her sex. She squealed when his thumb mashed her bud of pleasure.

"Ten more with my paddle? Or has my lovely bride learned that it would be best to still her impertinent tongue?" Elijah asked, once more rubbing her pink buttocks with his hand.

"What shall you do should I agree that I will hold my tongue?" Jennifer asked, wiggling her posterior.

"Well then, I should commence to disrobing," Elijah stated.

"Then I shall still my churlish tongue, dear husband," Jennifer agreed.

Again, although she found their union very pleasurable, Jennifer did not achieve climax from the missionary position. She cleaned his manhood with her mouth and eager tongue, causing his manhood to rise once more. Then she mounted him. She squealed in surprise when he delivered a slap to her buttocks with his bare hands. Then she groaned in climax.

After spending forcefully into her womb, Elijah bade her to use her mouth upon his manhood. She did so with true affection and pouted when he bade her to cease.

Her pout earned her ten more swats with the paddle, turning her buttocks a most lovely rosy red.

She remained on her hands and knees as he once more applied pomade to her bunghole.

"Filthy sodomite," she accused even as she gasped in pleasure.

"True, true," he chuckled, applying some pomade to his manhood.

Satiated after they both achieved climax, husband and wife snoozed lightly. Rousing in the mid-afternoon, Elijah and Jennifer dressed once more and adjourned to the Desert Rose Hotel for a late luncheon or early evening meal. Colonel Danbridge, tottering from the saloon did loudly and boisterously greet the good Reverend and his wife.

"This Friday," Colonel Danbridge demanded, even thrusting two fingers into Elijah's chest. "We shall play cards for high stakes."

Before Elijah could demur, Colonel Danbridge informed the Reverend that he would depart Fort Engels for his home in Alrak, Maine. His thirty two year career with the United States Armed Services as a Calvary officer was drawing to an end.

"So after all the pomp and splendor of my final duties, I shall be in fine performance at the table," Colonel Danbridge allowed, staggering slightly as he walked toward the stable.

"He is a fine officer," Elijah stated as he escorted Jennifer to a table. "But his skills as a card player leave much to be desired."

"And your skills?" Jennifer inquired, a blonde eyebrow cocked imperiously.

"As I keep my wits about me? My skills are not in question," Elijah assured her.

The following morning, Elijah and Jennifer were still fast asleep in their bed when Daniel Rose kissed his beautiful wife Eleanor, walked from their abode above the mercantile and made his way to the offices of Dr. Michael Breedlove, the dentist of Sopopaya. Patricia, the lovely blonde assistant to Dr. Breedlove greeted Daniel Rose and assisted the man into the inner office. Once more verifying the procedure Daniel wished for and giving a visual inspection of the affected tooth, Patricia affixed a heavy canvas bib about Daniel's neck and bade him to recline in the chair.

"We'll be using ether; believe me, you've no wish to be conscious when we extract that tooth," Dr. Breedlove stated after examining Daniel's mouth.

The man uncorked a large jug, keeping his own nose and mouth far from the open bottle. He then supplied Daniel with the anesthetic.

Dr. Breedlove was quite heavy-handed in the administration of the anesthetic and Daniel Rose suffocated, expiring as he lay on the reclined chair. The incompetent doctor tried to revive Daniel but finally had to admit failure. With a hard face, the craven doctor sent Patricia to inform Eleanor Rose of the misfortune.

In truth, had Dr. Breedlove's incompetence not killed Daniel Rose, the blood poisoning from his affected tooth and gum would have been the man's demise. He simply waited far too long to have the affected area tended to.

The news of Daniel's death dampened the joys of their union; Jennifer tended to her sister and Elijah tended to the preparations for his deceased brother in law. On Thursday, the church was packed with mourners, those that wished to pay their respects, and of course, the morbid few that simply enjoyed a good funeral and a good reason to cry.

Henny and her beleaguered husband did make an appearance. Henny's histrionics fooled no one but she loudly sobbed, clinging onto Lenny. Finally, she allowed her husband to draw her away to sit in a pew behind Lenny.

Rosa made her way to the piano and slowly, softly began to play. Then she lifted her head and began to sing 'Ave Maria' in a surprisingly clear, strong voice. When the last note rang out, the small dark skinned beauty ran from the church, bawling loudly.

"Almost like she lost her a husband," Mr. Cleland opined, then snuck a sip from his bottle before slipping the bottle back into his boot.

Eleanor sat, staring at nothing as Elijah performed the service. She numbly allowed herself to be led to the casket, to gaze upon her loving husband's face one more time before the lid was closed.

"Daniel!" she shrieked, then fainted dead away.

Fortunately, Elijah had anticipated this reaction and managed to catch Eleanor before her head struck the hard floor. Gently, he carried the unconscious woman to a pew and lay her on the hard wooden bench. Jennifer and another woman tended to Eleanor while Elijah quietly offered another prayer before closing the coffin.

A captain greeted Elijah as the horse drawn carriage entered the small cemetery. In quiet whispers, the Captain conveyed Colonel Dambridge's sympathies at the loss of Elijah's brother in law, but did demand that Elijah attend the card game the following evening.

"Sir, please do not force me to incur the Colonel's wrath," the Captain pleaded, seeing the thunderous look on the minister's face. "In poor taste, to be sure, but though he might be angered with you? It would be myself that would receive his disappointment."

"Very well; I shall be in attendance," Elijah stated through clenched teeth. "Do inform the Colonel that it will please me greatly to lighten his load for his travels."

"That I shall, sir, that I shall," the captain saluted and marched toward his waiting horse.

"Odious, self-serving nincompoop," Elijah muttered then strode with purpose toward the prepared gravesite.

Eleanor wailed piteously through the graveside service. Concluding the scripture, Elijah removed his dark coat and grabbed a shovel. Together, he and a tall Negro servant covered the local merchant's casket with dirt.

Henny continued with her loud mourning as her husband led her away. Jennifer led her sister away; Julia joined them and offered her own words of condolence as the crowd dissipated.

Elijah met with Samuel Roberts, the attorney in the morning. Samuel disclosed that Elijah had been named as the executor of the estate of Daniel Rose. All had been bequeathed to Eleanor Rose nee Sheffield but Daniel had believed that Eleanor would be best served with a man to assist with matters pertaining to the mercantile, the saloon, and the hotel.

"Naturally," Elijah agreed. Together, both men did come to agreements over management of the hotel and saloon and mercantile.

When Elijah informed Lenny of the efforts and decisions he and the attorney had come to, the still shaken woman thanked him. Then she sat, staring and unseeing as Rosa puttered around, arranging and rearranging the merchandise on the tables in the large room of the mercantile.

"Reverend?" Lenny called out as Elijah prepared to leave the storefront.

"Yes?" Elijah asked, briskly approaching the counter once more.

"So, do you think I, my Daniel, do you think God took him because I'm a sinner?" Lenny whispered, bottom lip quivering.

"God does not punish His children," Elijah said firmly. "If that was His intent, He would have never sent His son to die for our sins. No, no, I do believe that Daniel had fulfilled all that our Heavenly Father had intended for him to perform upon this earth and so was called to his reward."

Elijah placed his hand on Lenny's pudgy hand. He smiled as Lenny seemed to focus on his face.

"Were it up to Daniel? He would have savored many more days enjoying your beauty and many more nights warmly held in your embrace," Elijah said softly. "Again, he had fulfilled his duties, fulfilled them well and is now seated at the right hand of God."

After a lengthy afternoon repose, Elijah ate a light evening meal with his bride and his daughter. Then with a soft kiss to his daughter's cheek and a more passionate kiss to his wife's lips, Elijah left the home.

He saddled a horse and set out to Fort Engels, to the Colonel's quarters. A corporal assisted Elijah with his mount and told Elijah the name of the soldier that would have guard duty in the late night/early morning hours. Elijah thanked the young soldier and strode from stable to the home of the Colonel.

"Ah, and here he is, Reverend Elijah Webber," Colonel Danbridge sneered, obviously well into his cups. "A truly righteous man of God."

Elijah remembered that the military had performed a ceremony that afternoon, relieving the man of his duties. Elijah was sure that this ceremony most likely involved an abundance of alcohol.

"So, sir, what is the game to be this evening?" Elijah queried, accepting a glass of whiskey from the silent Chin Lo.

"Poker," Colonel Danbridge declared, turning to the man to his left. "Colonel Spencer? Does this meet with your approval?"

"Very well, sir," the portly man stated, raising his glass of whiskey in a silent toast.

"Ah, Reverend Webber," Colonel Danbrige said. "This is Colonel Spencer; my assigned replacement and from all accounts, a fine man and a fine officer."

Major Wright arrived soon afterward and the card game was in progress. Elijah had two glasses of Iron Barrel Whiskey, then stuck to water afterward. Colonel Spencer might be a fine officer, a fine man, but he was no drinker. He was quite drunk within two hours of the game's beginning. Major Wright had been imbibing whiskey before arriving to the quarters and was soon quite drunk as well. The game progressed for another hour, the two drunk officers losing readily to the sober Elijah or the belligerent Colonel Danbridge.

"Colonel, as it is just the two of us," Elijah said, indicating both slumbering men, "I propose this be our last hand and then I shall wish you a safe journey and a rewarding life from here on out and take my leave."

"No, no, no, no," Colonel Danbridge angrily retorted, seeing the large cache of coins to Elijah's left. "You, you're going to give me an opportunity to win my money from you, you, you, you man of God."

"Sir, you've nothing to wager with," Elijah pointed to the four or five coins to the colonel's left.

"Chin Lo!" the former officer bellowed.

"Sir?" the small woman asked, appearing at his left side almost immediately.

"This. I, I can't take this with me to Maine," Colonel Danbridge said, gripping the woman's small bicep in a meaty grasp.

Elijah saw the look of shock come upon the small woman's features. He read that the woman had believed that she would be accompanying the retired officer to his next residence. Her golden hue lost much color as she stared at the older man.

Elijah bristled at the callous behavior of the officer. He bristled as the man referred to Chin Lo as 'this' and not as a person, a human being with rights and privileges. With just one move, with drunken words, the officer stripped all dignity from the Asian woman.

"Very well," Elijah snapped and Colonel Danbridge smiled a nasty smile.

"May I?" Elijah demanded, holding out his hand for the deck of cards.

"What? I, I can be trusted," Colonel Danbridge spluttered.

"As can I," Elijah stated, holding his hand out for the cards. "But, sir, I shall shuffle the cards and you shall deal. Agreed?"

"Agreed and damn you," the man snarled, slapping the deck of cards quite forcefully into Elijah's hand.

Elijah shuffled the cards rapidly. He gave Chin Lo what he hoped was a comforting glance. The small woman stood, stoically regarding the two players.

"Well?" Colonel Danbridge demanded after he'd flipped the cards to Elijah and himself.

Elijah said, "I stand."

"You're bluffing," Colonel Danbridge accused as he discarded one card, dealing himself a new card.

"Perhaps. But since the wager has already been set, a bluff would be pointless, true?" Elijah inquired, smiling benignly. "Unless you would care to fold?"

"Two pair," Colonel Danbridge smiled in triumph, showing a pair of fives and a pair of knaves.

"A good hand, a very good hand," Elijah agreed, then displayed his two queens and three nines.

"You, you, you..." Colonel danbridge sputtered, red face becoming purple with rage.

"I pack," Chin Lo announced, carrying a heavy cloth bag into the parlour.

"Safe travels," Elijah snapped at Colonel Danbridge, rising to his feet.

Despite her protests, Elijah carried the quite heavy bag as they walked to the stables. A sleepy private Tom Fielder assisted Elijah in saddling his mount. Again, paying no mind to her protests, Elijah placed Chin Lo upon the saddle, then gripped the horse's bridle and guided the horse from the settlement.

On foot, guiding a horse, it was a long walk from Fort Engels to his abode. As he trudged the path in silence, Elijah wondered how he would broach the news to his lovely wife. Somehow, he had managed to procure an indentured servant for their household.

"After some rest," Elijah finally told himself, gently guiding the horse into the stable.

He gently assisted the small woman from the saddle, then set her a few feet away. Chin Lo watched as he cared for the horse. When he tiredly turned to her, she smiled widely.

"You good man," she announced. "Danbridge? He not good man. Horse? That for others; he is too important; he has no time for horse."

"The horse is a fine and noble beast," Elijah smiled, gently guiding her to the door of his home. "As a fine and noble servant should be cared for, it is my pleasure to care for the servant."

"So, did you lose our home and our church?" Jennifer teased as Elijah stepped into the parlor of his home.

"No, my dear wife," But your faith in my abilities and my skill does gladden my heart," he shook his head at her delighted little smirk.

", Elijah, who is this?" Jennifer inquired, seeing Elijah's small shadow.

"This is Chin Lo; she is our servant," Elijah stated.

"I cook, I clean, I wash the clothing," Chin Lo stated, obviously hoping to curry favor with the blonde beauty.

"Then, whatever shall I do?" Jennifer inquired of Elijah. "If she is doing all..."

"Whatever you please," Elijah stated.

"But, but it pleases me to please you," Jennifer said.

"Then please me," he said, smiling. "But for now, the hour is late. "Chin Lo will stay on the settee in my study and in the morning, I shall move my desk into the parlor."

To Elijah, it seemed that no sooner had he closed his eyes than his wife and their new servant were waking him with a hearty breakfast served in his bed. Chin Lo's look of pleasure turned to one of fascination when she spied the St. Andrew's cross against the wall of their bedroom. Both Elijah and Jennifer watched as the servant reverently ran her small hand over the polished wood. Turning to the silent couple, Chin Lo gave a cryptic nod of her head, then left the room.

"What do you suppose..." Jennifer inquired.

"I do believe our servant has had some experience with such a device as that," Elijah mused, scooping up a forkful of his Johnny cake.

"Oh!" Jennifer squeaked, face blushing a pretty pink in color.

No sooner had Elijah finished his meal than Jennifer stripped off her gown. She flung the coverlet from her husband's legs and crawled onto the bed.

Elijah resolved to soon fashion a step for her to make the task of crawling onto their bed easier for his bride. But the thoughts of the measurements of the step were rapidly pushed aside as Jennifer impaled herself upon his erect manhood.

She squealed in dismay as Chin Lo quietly grabbed the tray of dishes from the bed and again left the room. Elijah chuckled and a moment later, Jennifer chuckled as well.

"I shall put a bell about her neck," Jennifer declared, kissing her husband.

Elijah rolled his wife onto her back and hammered into her willing cleft with long strokes. Just as she crested in climax, he bellowed and pumped her cleft full of his seed.

"Father, Jennifer, who is that... OH!" Julia demanded, bursting into her father's bedchamber, then squealing as she recognized her misstep.

"And a bell around her neck as well," Elijah chuckled as his horrified daughter fled the room.

"Or a bolt for our door?" Jennifer suggested, pulling her gown over her nude form once more.

"Excellent suggestion my dear," Elijah chuckled, beginning to dress for the day ahead.

Squeals of protest and his wife's elated giggles pulled Elijah down the stairs to the kitchen. Julia was protesting she would wear no bell about her neck, just as a cow would do. Chin Lo had her small mouth covered but her delight was apparent in her dark eyes. Jennifer wore a pleased smile even as she placed her hands about her own neck as a collar.

"A very large bell. Yes, yes, one that may be heard from far away," Jennifer stated.

"Father! Do make her cease with her teasing," Julia stamped her foot even as she began to giggle.

"Teasing? Oh no, there is no teasing," Elijah smiled. "In fact, I am on my way to see Mrs. Rose; perhaps the mercantile should have such a bell. Two bells in fact."

"Father! I, I will not wear any..." Julia declared.

"Do get padlock," Chin Lo suggested, giggling. "We shall lock this bell about her neck."

"You! You hush," Julia demanded of the small woman.

"I do not listen to you. You are not the lady of the house. Miss Jenny is the lady of the house," Chin Lo declared, even moving to stand behind Jennifer.

"So there!" Jennifer said in triumph.

"Jenny," Julia implored.

"That will be 'Miss Jenny,'" Jennifer said, trying to adopt a haughty expression.

"I shall return with the two bells and the two padlocks," Elijah claimed, smirking.

"Oh no, I do not need padlock. I will wear Miss Jenny's bell with no trouble," Chin Lo declared.

"Good day, Miss Jenny," Elijah smirked, giving his wife a kiss on her lips.

"Ahem?" Julia demanded, turning her cheek for his kiss.

Elijah did kiss Julia's cheek. Then he caused her to squeal when he lightly slapped her on her bottom.

"Ahem?" Chin Lo said as Elijah turned to leave.

"I am his daughter," Julia explained to the Asian servant.

"Oh," Chin Lo said, nodding her small head in understanding.

"I simply adore her," Jennifer confided to her husband as he shrugged on his coat.

"Good, that is very good; I do believe we are tethered to her for a while to come," Elijah confided. "I am not sure how long her servitude is to be and do suspect she has no real idea of the length either.

"That is well," Jennifer stated. "She will be treated well for however long we may enjoy her services."

"Given her interest in the St. Andrew's cross? Perhaps she does not wish to be treated well," Elijah suggested, then chuckled as Jennifer blushed a most beautiful blush.

"We, we shall see," she said. "Now do go and fetch some men that might help you to move the desk down to the parlor."

"Ah! Reverend! My brother in law," a very drunk Major Trappey declared as he stepped from the saloon. Onto the wooden walkway.

"Major," Elijah said, lips tight with disapproval at the officer's drunken condition.

"And is your bride well this morning? My bride? My bride shall never be well for there is always more. So much more that shall be given to her," Major Trappey scowled darkly.

"And you've no one to blame but yourself, man," Elijah declared.

"How, how you mean?" Major Trappey demanded, almost toppling over as he whirled about to confront the man.

"I see your belt. A fine leather belt about your waist," Elijah stated, indicating the highly polished strap.

"Yes?" the drunk inquired, trying to see the belt over his slight paunch.

"Why then, man, use it!" Elijah offered.

"Hmm!" the officer said, bushy eyebrows rising in excitement.

"Put the strap to use. And, the next time she raises her voice in disagreement? Well then..." Elijah said.

"You know, even if you are not an officer, you do offer most sound advice," the man said, trying to remember which way the stables might be.

"The Bible is an excellent source of information," Elijah allowed as he left the man standing on the walkway.

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*

The End

**Author's Note: I write these stories for my pleasure; I post them here for your enjoyment. Thank you for reading my stories.

I especially thank those that take the time to leave comments, good and bad. I also thank those that take the time to rate my works, those that 'Favorite' my work.

For those that would express outrage at the misogynistic view that Eleanor 'Lenny' Rose would need a man to oversee her day to day life after the passing of Daniel Rose would do well to remember that this was in the late nineteenth century. Such beliefs were widely held by men as well as women.

Have a swell day. And some of you, have a swollen day.