Anonymous - Arabella

At this a shadow passed across my uncle's brow. He hesitated much before replying.

“I fear, my dear, that your Mama would think it very strange were I to take you both. No, I do not think it can be thought of. Moreover, there are Arabella's parents to be consulted.”

One quick glance from Elaine and I knew that I must speak. Somewhat to my surprise I then heard my own voice declaring that Mama and Papa would make no ado about the matter and indeed were minded that I should enjoy myself.

“Ah yes,” my uncle replied. He was clearly in a dilemma. Walking on the other side of him, Elaine took his hand playfully.

“Will you not, Papa? It is a trifle deceitful, I know, but we could always tell Mama that we were attending some other function. After all, no harm will come to us for you will be there to chaperone us. Dear Papa, say yes!”

Her apparent innocence was perfectly judged in tone and manner, while my own could equally be in no doubt. My uncle, glancing at me as we made our way through a shrubbery, appeared flushed of visage. I would have given much then to read his thoughts. He was most obviously at a loss, since he must either forewarn us of the consequences or simply refuse. The smile that I afforded him appeared to swing the balance.

“I do hear,” he declared, “that there is to be a small reception at the Eastwoods on Saturday evening. I must mention, however…well, that is to say…they are very lively.” His voice appeared hoarse, his visage strained.

“I have so heard also, Papa, but that is to the good is it not; for we mean to enjoy ourselves,” replied Elaine who could scarce conceal a smile of victory.

“Yes, my pet, but…”

“Then it is settled, Papa. Besides, I have a topping idea. We will apprise Mama that we are attending a seance. You know how such things fret her and that she will have nothing to do with such events. Oh dear, I have no kerchief about me and must fetch one. Pray excuse me!”

With that she was gone, leaving me in full knowledge of the fact that it was but an excuse whereby I might wheedle the more into her Papa's favours. Alone with him, however, I knew not what to say and felt my tongue quite twisted. He for his part appeared ruminative and frequently on the verge of saying something which he could not bring himself to speak. I surmised, of course, what was on his mind and finally found voice as we came upon a rustic seat outside a summerhouse where he seemed as pleased to rest as I.

“As to the-er-reception, my dear, I fear that neither Elaine nor your sweet self know of the nature of such- er-functions,” he observed hesitantly.

“Oh yes, we are fully apprised, Uncle. There is dancing and music and general merriment such as perhaps may not take place at more formal gatherings. Be certain that we are fully prepared to enter into the spirit of things.”

Had I spoken too boldly? His eyes searched mine-his hand encompassed mine where it lay on my lap. So far from imagining it, I felt his knuckles graze not unpleasurably against my belly where I had inadvertently parted my thighs a little. Wearing as I was a light summer gown with naught but a chemise and stockings beneath, the warmth of my body in such an intimate region communicated itself to his hand immediately.

“Yes, my dear, but there is a certain-er-freedom…”

He appeared to have difficulty in finding words. I interrupted him sweetly.

“Society puts upon us, does it not?” I replied. Keeping my lips parted I gazed at him with such lustrous innocence that he knew not how to answer and indeed made no attempt to do so in words for with the swiftness of a swallow his mouth came upon mine, causing me at first to hold my breath.

“How young you are-you know not what you are at,” he murmured, though appearing to do so himself by passing his hand up until it all but encompassed my left titty. Responsive as my nipples have always proved, he was in but seconds in no doubt of their springiness which made itself apparent through my gown. I gulped, I swallowed. Even so I made no attempt to avert either my mouth or his hand which wandered first from one mound to the other and weighed the gelatinous hillocks amourously.

“Oh, you must tell me what you mean, please,” I begged as our lips parted.

Appearing then to realise where his hand was, he placed it instead upon my upper thigh where his fingers savoured the ridging of my stocking top through the fine cotton of my dress.

“I meant not to kiss you-yet how delicious you are,” he muttered. His desire to be encouraged was obvious.

“Dear Uncle, if you mean to kiss me, you shall, for I see no harm in it. It is not a very wicked thing to do, is it?”

“Nor this?”

With something of an eager grin he replaced his cupping hand, this time upon my other breast, allowing it to swell in his grasp as had its neighbour. Glancing swiftly down at his breeches I saw that he was well-armed for an amourous conflict but felt certain that he would not attempt one at this time.

“I cannot call it wicked, Uncle, for it feels pleasant. Do wicked things feel unpleasant? There will not be unpleasantry at the reception, will there?”

“One may gauge it so or one may gauge it not, Arabella. The most wicked things are invariably the most pleasant. Even so, I hesitate still to take you there for your innocence will be confounded and undone, I fear.”

“Oh!” I ejaculated and pursed my lips so prettily thereby that he could not help but lavish more kisses upon me, all of which I received with a certain coy pleasure while wondering muchly whether Elaine intended me to draw him out upon the subject or not. I could find no words, however, to frame a question in such a way that would not betray my foreknowledge. Making great play of being petulant and sulky, I pushed his hand away. “Then I shall not let you kiss me, for if we do not go we shall not have any fun,” I exclaimed, leaving him much in the dark as to what I knew or did not know. Seemingly, however, he was satisfied since, having made several attempts to dissuade us both from our course there would be no one to blame but ourselves. Thus guile did win the day, and thereupon also did Elaine reappear.

“How flushed you look, Arabella! Has Papa been at you?” she asked merrily in a manner that could be construed by two meanings. His pego stuck up so visibly in his breeches that she could no more fail to see it than I. At her remark he flushed heavily and told her not to speak nonsense for he had-he said carefully-no need whatever to upbraid me.

Coming then, as I felt it tactful to do to his support, I averred that we had been talking together very nicely and that he had finally given his full assent to our attendance on the Eastwoods.

“Why then, we shall all have fun,” Elaine said as she smiled artlessly. “I have told Mama, so there is no hindrance to the matter. We may even be late in returning if we wish for I have had her believe that the spirits do not rise well before midnight.”

This remark causing us all to laugh, though not in an unkindly manner, eased the atmosphere much, though a certain agitation evidenced itself in my uncle who upon some excuse soon made his departure, walking with a rather curious gait. I had no doubt that he would have been pleased to accompany me alone to the Eastwoods' private party, but was anxious at the intended presence of his daughter. Indeed, the matter appeared to have played upon his mind for that selfsame day he succeeded in cornering me in a passageway upstairs close to my room, saying that he would have converse with me. A nearby linen closet being unattended I allowed myself to be escorted within, my uncle closing the door with solemn mien.

On either side of us were shelves upon which sheets and towels and other necessities were stored. The space between was such that we were brought to stand close together, I making no demur when he passed his arms about my waist and drew me against him.