The grandfather clock ticked on.
Casually sipping her port the Dowager addressed the head steward "Geoffrey...Lucinda and I have decided that young Andrew" she nodded towards the blushing young houseboy as he stood in the corner with the decanter "...will be re-assigned to my household. Please see he is removed from the estate payroll and records".
For the merest moment a look of sadness and pity flashed across Geoffrey's face as he regarded the young man but then his professional demeanour returned "Very good Ma'am" he said with a bow "Will there be anything else?" the Dowager smiled "No Geoffrey....just ensure the dressmaker is summoned tomorrow. You may leave us. Andrew will wait on us for the remainder of the evening. Please place any personal posessions or clothing he may have left in his quarter in storage"
Geoffrey bowed and with one final glance at Andrew left the drawing room. The two ladies continued their chat occasionally beckoning Andrew forward to refill their glasses with the rich, sweet wine. It was gone 11 when Lady Lucinda raised herself "Now, Mother...I must be off. I will leave you with your new servant. I will lock the door to the north wing as I leave" she crossed the room "Good night Andrew".
There was an interminable silence as she slowly sipped her port and regarded the poor bewildered boy. He was totally at her mercy now. There would be no record of him ever arriving at the estate. No-one would ever look for him so she was completely free to take him and mould him into her perfect creation. The tension was palpable. The exquisitely dressed and perfectly made-up old lady and her helpless pet. She drained her glass and beckoned for Andrew to refill. After he had obeyed she picked up her book and announced "Andrew, got to my chamber. Remove your clothing and slip into the bed. Wait for me there".
Andrew stood agog and aghast at the request. His brain simply could not process what he had just heard. The Dowager was amused at the poor boy's utter bewilderment but kept her visage impassive. Seducing and enslaving him would be perfect sport. "Now Andrew...it is your bedtime. I want the bed warm before I retire". Mortified but defeated he placed the decanter on the table and went through into the bedroom. As the door closed the Dowager let out a sigh of satisfaction.
He was hers now.
