Amanda's Maid

by

Anne Marie Bauer

© August 2005

 

Part IV

 

"Freshen up, Karen, I want to talk with you in my den in fifteen minutes!" It was said strongly, as an order, not Mrs. Buford's usual request.

After obeying, I curtseyed. "Let me start by telling you that I am extremely pleased a very many ways! To say that I'm very pleased, is an understatement, but read into that what you wish ... for now," she smiled.

"Your performance as my maid is good and you continue to show improvement. There is still opportunity for you to improve more there, Karen. Your behavior this past week has given no cause for correction." When she paused, I curtseyed.

"You may sit. Converse with me in girl-mode, Karen."

"I've not forgotten what's in your panties; I won't dwell further. How is it for you though, being a girl full-time?"

"It's quite good, ma'am..."

"Amanda, remember when you are in girl-mode and not maid-role," she smiled.

We talked about my acceptance of all that had happened since my club debut, mostly, it was about being in my girl-mode. I was very satisfied with that and being her maid. My previous path had been leading to a dead end.

"Strangely, I like putting on my makeup every morning... We'll, I guess it isn't that strange, because I enjoyed doing it when getting ready for the stage too," I smiled. "I liked putting on the different costumes too; they just weren't like those I wear now. At first, I'd thought of my uniforms and other clothing as stage costumes, but that just disappeared. My clothes seem natural. I'm in uniform most of the time and look forward to putting on one of my minis for a change."

"Let's pause here a minute. I've been thinking lately that your uniforms look a bit ... frumpish, for want of a better word. They actually look too old on you and I'd like to see something more attractive on my maid.

"Don't get any idea that you'll be expected to wear anything remotely close to your party uniform; that is reserved for parties, as its name indicates. I would like your hemlines shorter, say about four inches above the knees, to show a bit more of your legs.

"Unlike the first time, when I just told you that you will wear that one and your day uniform, this time I want you to participate with me in their selection. The few outfits you've selected and bought on your own are attractive and tasteful. There is nothing outrageous or tarty about those clothes and you have demonstrated a sense of good taste in picking skirts and tops that are good for you.

"How long does it take you to do your hair that way?" she asked.

"About thirty minutes to set it at night and another half hour in the morning. I'm getting better, but fell back right after I was given my longer nails."

"I was getting to them, Karen. While fine for the party, they are impractical for doing your daily chores. I can imagine you'd like them shorter."

"Yes, but not too short, Amanda; I'd like them the length they were when I first got them, only thick like there. I like the curved shape on back and they seem very strong."

"Fine.

"Back to your hair. Spending over an hour on your hair takes too much time and I can believe it is much more when you wash it. I think it should be a hairdo that is nearly care-free."

"Please don't ask me to cut it short?" I requested.

"OK, but that is going to cost you," she laughed. "If you want it long then you will have to keep the one long braid and I want a bow on the end of it at all times, even when not in uniform, Karen."

I lifted my plait and briefly looked at it. "I'm willing, Amanda. I just don't want short hair, please?

"You're too damn easy, girl. I was teasing you. I like it, but I'm not going to make you keep it.

"Have you ever seen hair all done in finely braided plaits? Mostly black girls are the only ones who wear theirs that way."

"When I was in the supermarket last week there was an attractive Hawaiian girl ahead of me at checkout with reddish tinted hair all done in very fine braids; no more than an eighth of an inch in diameter or less. I thought it looked very attractive and told her so.

"We got into a conversation and Lailani said that two of her friends had done it for her and had taken over four hours to braid it when I asked, but hers is nearly knee length."

"Why don't you surprise me, Karen. Call around and find a salon that can do your hair any way you'd like it, the plaits or something else. I'm only going to ask that your hairdo presents a neat appearance when you are in uniform; nothing outrageous or any of those wild colors that the Goth girls love.

"You might give thought to losing the black streaks too, but I'll not insist. If you want a different color all together that's fine too. As I said, surprise me."

"I'll do that, Amanda. I'm ready to have something different too, but I warn you now, I'm keeping this for a while." I fingered the long plait.

"How is the computer Cassandra gave you? Is it all set up the way you'd like?"

"Very nice; I still need to tweak it, but it seems fine."

"Good. Like most companies, I require you to use discretion. When you are working, I expect just that and not using the computer for emails, surfing, chat or anything else. Currently, there is nothing in the job description for my maid that necessitates the use of a personal computer. Should such a need arise, we will discuss it beforehand."

"Yes, Amanda."

"Change of subject, I'll be brief. Last night you and I did something I never, and I do mean never, expected to do with another girl and especially with my maid.

"Cassandra was right when she called attention to it even though she was just teasing about the bestiality part. My behavior was scandalous; especially because I gave no thought that she lying right next to us in the same bed to witness it."

"You had a need, Amanda. I was there to help you get over the deep hurt that was inflicted on you. I see nothing wrong with helping my mistress with anything she needs.

"You are a little bitch, you know that, Karen?" Mrs. Buford grinned at me. "So, you equate making love to me just like doing your other chores? Stand up!" I was totally bewildered, but did as I was told.

Mrs. Buford took me in her arms and squeezed me in a tight hug. Her lips sought mine for a penetrating and lingering kiss. "Thank you for being there for me." Gently, she sat me down again and resumed her seat.

"Tell me to butt out and it's none of my business; how is your sex life with Cassandra?"

"One sided. In the very beginning, Sandi told me I would never penetrate any part of her until I have my tubes tied and have grown real breasts. When I started on hormones for my breasts, I also asked for a testosterone blocker.

"My doctor said it would help if the estrogen wasn't competing and would decrease my urge. We discussed that and I'm on a relatively high dosage to start just so the blocker would kick in a lot quicker. The dosage will be decreased to a maintenance level after three months.

"With all those chemicals, I no longer feel the need and, right now, I'm flaccid all the time." My employer frowned.

"That seems pretty selfish. Did she give you a valid reason for having your tubes tied?"

"She doesn't want me to get pregnant," I giggled and she smiled in response.

"I'm fine with her conditions, Amanda. Sandi is very special to me.

"Besides, sex, for me was never the big deal that boys and men make it out to be. When I was in college, I asked the doctor about my lack of facial hair and the peach fuzz that passes for body hair. They really had no answers; just that my testosterone was on the low side, but not abnormally so."

"Interesting choice of words, Karen; you didn't say other boys and other men?"

I laughed. "Look at me, Amanda; there is no way I could pretend I was a guy. If I was told to prove I was a man by having intercourse with a female, I just told you I couldn't. Other than some bit of flesh in my panties, I no longer can present any evidence that I'm male.

"I just told you a little while ago, I'm getting used to being Karen and fairly happy with her. Given the choice, I don't want to go back, Amanda."

"I also just told you, that I'm pretty happy with Karen too," she smiled.

"Is there anything I can give you that would make you happier here?"

"Well ... for starters, how about the winning numbers to the lottery? With a few million, Sandi and I could buy a house and get married," I teased.

"Well..." she mimicked, "I don't have those."

"I know ... just wishful thinking. With our jobs, I just don't see how Sandi and I will ever be able to live together and that's something I'd really like to do." I wiped a tear from my eye.

"Karen, please don't cry on me? Here." I accepted the box of tissues.

"I swore Cassandra to secrecy, but I think the time is now to give you some hope.

"When I was out all of Wednesday, I met with an architect then a few contractors. After looking at the original plans, Sam Wallace, he's the architect, said that building on top of the garage was simple. I paid him extra to give me some rough sketches for an apartment there. Guess who my tenants might be?

"With it being winter, you might understand that contractors aren't very busy and I received some very attractive estimates.

"Sam has promised me preliminary drawings before Thanksgiving. You and Cassandra can suggest reasonable changes once you've reviewed them.

"As part of your compensation, you already receive room and board and Cassandra is paying her parents over a thousand dollars a month for hers. Though I'm going to pay for the construction, I'll not be letting the two of you live there rent free, but we'll work out a reasonable lease arrangement." I was in shock because of what I was being told.

She continued, "The apartment is not going to be furnished at my expense. Just like other young couples, you two are going to have to figure that out and make do with what Cassandra can scrounge up from her relatives and the two of you can find at yard sales, classifieds and second hand stores. If that means sleeping on the floor until you can afford a bed then that is just something you will have to do."

It was my turn. I pulled her to her feet for a big hug and kisses. I was also crying by the time she gently pushed me away, but it wasn't because of what I'd seen as a hopeless future.

"Go fix your makeup then take the time to send a nice long email to your girlfriend, Karen. After that, prepare our supper. I invite you to eat with me in the kitchen tonight." I hugged and kissed her again.

*****

Other than our breakfast dishes and making up her rooms, Mrs. Buford told me to catch up on my other daily chores, the following day. I was instructed to put on an evening uniform and we went to a huge store selling nothing but uniforms in the city. She introduced herself to the sales woman and stated that she was there to select new uniforms for her maid.

We started with my day uniforms. Though their selection was large it took us quite some time to settle on a style we both liked then a pale gray color. I'd have preferred pink, but was overruled.

The new uniform for mornings had a semi-fitted bodice and loose skirt. The sleeves had enough ease and fullness so they'd not interfere with performing my chores. Since it was near winter, Mrs. Buford bought long sleeves with white cuffs.

While their hemlines were being raised to the four inches above my knees that we'd discussed, we turned our attention to my evening attire.

Picking them out was easier. They were black, of course, with white cuffs and collars too. My skirts were slender and short enough to not require alternations. With closely fitted bodices their long sleeves were tighter too.

I was allowed to pick out pinafores for mornings. These didn't have back-buttoned bodices as my first ones had, but still covered most of the dress and trimmed all around with very full ruffles.

"You are going to have fun ironing all of those, Karen," Mrs. Buford laughed. Her observation gave me second thoughts and when I attempted to put it back on the rack, she vetoed that idea.

I wore one of the new evening uniforms with its ruffled lace trim from the store and we walked three blocks to a shoe store to buy new footwear.

White for day with thick heels and round toes and straps across the vamps was her choice, but, unlike my others, the new shoes had half-inch thick soles and almost four-inch high heels.

"Ma'am, may I please have lower heels?" I asked. "I must do a lot of walking and I'm up and down the stairs all morning too?" She excused us from the clerk to talk with me privately.

"I thought you were very attractive in the high-heels you wore with your party uniform, Karen."

"Yes, ma'am, I agree with you, but I wasn't doing any real work then either. You told me I had opportunity for improvement and I interpreted that as a suggestion that I should strive to do my chores better and take less time to complete them. In other words, to become more efficient.

"May I suggest a compromise, ma'am?"

"Go on."

"If you'll permit me to wear lower heels during the day, I'll give you no argument about wearing higher ones that you'll pick for the evenings."

"Agreed. No arguments." I would come to question my offer.

After picking similar white shoes with three-inch heels and without the platform soles, the evening shoes she selected were black calfskin, lace-up oxfords with semi-pointed toes and slender spike heels over five inches high. I wore those for the walk to a café for a nice lunch then back to the garage where she'd parked.

Being the city, I drew far more attention than any time previously and the undesirable comments, even solicitations, were far from nice or, in any way, polite.

In my life between college and meeting Mrs. Buford, I associated with a lot of undesirable people and, as Karen, it was a bit shocking to think that I was so close to being like the skuzzy guys we encountered on the street. I had changed a lot, in so many ways, over the previous few months.

"Mrs. Buford, we talked some about my wearing a better corset," I began as we drove towards home.

"Are you asking me to buy you corsets, Karen?"

"I'd like to try it and see if I like it. I think Sandi would, if I wore one."

"Yes, I'm sure of that. Cassandra told me how much she enjoyed how you looked in your party uniform and I agree.

"Karen, I want you to seriously think about what you are asking me. Good corsets are expensive, about four hundred dollars apiece and you'll need at least two."

"Why two, ma'am?"

"Because you just don't toss a good corset in the washing machine; they need to air and dry out between wearings, otherwise they will be quickly ruined."

"Well, it was a good idea while it lasted. Thank you, ma'am."

"I did not say, 'no' I told you to seriously consider your request. If you really want them, I'll buy two for you along with the liners you need to wear. If you want me to then I'm going to ask you to make a serious commitment to wearing them. By serious, I mean that you will wear them all of the time.

"Since the topic was first raised, actually I started before buying those for your costume, I've done quite a bit of research and have corresponded with a few who wear them.

"I've learned that your body needs to adjust and once you are committed, it is no longer a part-time thing, it is 23/7 and they sleep in theirs. They remove their corsets only in the morning to bathe and lace on a fresh one.

"If you want me to make an eight hundred to one thousand dollar investment in you then you are going to make that sort of a commitment to me. You'll be laced 23/7 to a minimum of four inches less that your natural waist measured over your corset.

"All of the time means that you'll be doing all of your chores wearing one and you'll wear it when not in uniform too.

"So think about what I just told you for a few days or more then tell me your decision.

"Oh, delivery for a custom made corset is about three to four weeks and payment is expected with the order, so there will be no changing your mind after you've asked me to buy them."

"Yes, Ma'am."

*****

It took several telephone calls to locate a beauty salon that could do my hair the way I thought I wanted to try it. The woman I spoke with to sort through all the details and to make the appointment definitely had a black accent. Wednesday, I drove there.

All of the beauticians and customers thought it was hilarious that a young white girl had selected that salon to get my hair and nails done after realizing that I'd not wandered in by mistake. I spent over four hours with the beauticians having my hair colored auburn with dark red and chestnut sharing small portions. Even with that much time, three had worked to create the hair style and one of them redid my fingernails and waxed my brows.

It was finely braided very tightly into very thin plaits and the bangs that the three braiders created were finer still. All of the strands were knotted about two inches from their ends and brushed to form tassels with those on my bangs much shorter. I still had a few curled tendrils and my long braid was dark red once they'd finished and I asked them to add a white cotton bow on the knot that bounced on my thigh just above my knee.

To show my employer, I put on a new evening uniform and gathered all the plaits in a tight ponytail behind the crown of my head then lifted the ends to fasten them there too. I covered the gathering with a white lace scrunchie so that they looped below my shoulders. Mrs. Buford had other ideas about that and ordered the plaits gathered in the middle, looped up from there so their tasseled ends hung free to above my collar.

"That is how you will wear your hair on duty, Karen." It was an order

*****

"Ma'am, may I be told your plans for Thanksgiving, please?" I curtseyed to her before supper one night.

"Why do you ask, Karen?"

"Sandi invited me for dinner that evening to meet all of her family, ma'am. Her sister and brother-in-law will be there along with her parents. If the mood is right, she plans to tell them she is a lesbian and introduce me as her girlfriend."

"I've invited two couples over for dinner that evening, Karen."

"Yes, ma'am. I'll attend to your dinner, ma'am." Extremely disappointed, I curtseyed and turned to leave.

"Karen, come back here!" I did as I was told and curtseyed.

"I'm very pleased that you did exactly what I asked you to, by respecting that my social commitments come before those of my maid.

"Thanksgiving is still a week and a half away, I will reschedule my dinner for mid-day and dismiss you at three thirty that day."

"Oh, thank you very much, ma'am." My mood went from depressed to elated.

"I expect to pick up the preliminary plans early next week. If Cassandra's schedule permits, invite her over for a few hours on Friday so that we can review them together."

"Yes, ma'am. Thank you, ma'am."

"Oh, before you ask, I've a dinner party already planned with overnight guests for Christmas Eve. I want you here both days. You may have off on Tuesday.

"I'll be out New Year's Eve and do not expect to return until late the following day, so you may have those days off after your chores on Saturday too. If Cassandra wants to come over, I've no objections."

"Thank you, ma'am, but she has committed to work at the big gala at the country club on New Year's Eve."

"Oh, she'd told me her restaurant was closed all of January after lunch on Christmas Eve to give all of the employees a break.

"Would you like to work at the club New Year's Eve too? Thinking you'd like to be with Cassandra, I've not responded to the email requesting waitress help from any members' family or staff. The tab for each couple is three hundred fifty dollars and the twenty percent tip is included that. All you have to do is serve one couple and it will be sixty dollars in your pocket, but they've always been very shorthanded for previous years, so you can expect to be paid far more than that. Also, many of the members leave cash tips for good service in addition.

"Yes, ma'am. I'd like that very much."

Before going up to my room that night, I composed an email to Sandi telling her what I'd been told.

*****

Because of the holiday, Sandi was asked to work both lunch and dinner at the restaurant the Wednesday before and serve Thanksgiving dinner too, so there had been no opportunity for our regular time to be together those days. With guests and a feast planned for the following day, I had more than enough work to do preparing for it.

Other than the Halloween Party, Mrs. Buford had not entertained overnight guests and not even dinner guests.

"Ma'am, if you have time, I need to talk with you, please?" I asked with a curtsey the Sunday afternoon prior to Thanksgiving. I carried a pad and pen on my tray.

"If you will tell me the menu and other details, I'd like to prepare a shopping list. I purchased nothing for the dinner when I did the marketing yesterday, ma'am."

She giggled and set her Sunday crossword on the table, "Sit, girl-in-girl-mode, Karen." I curtseyed and obeyed with my tray on my knees and pen poised.

"When did Saturday grocery shopping become 'the marketing', Karen?"

"After you told me that there was opportunity for improvement in the dispatch of my duties, Amanda."

Mrs. Buford's previously small giggles became a laugh. "Some times you are too much,! 'Dispatch of your duties', quite.

"OK Write this down. Guests will arrive between eight and ten on Wednesday evening. There will be two couples, as I told you previously. I'd like coffee ready at seven on Thursday, followed by breakfast and to be seated for dinner at twelve thirty. Whether you are done or not; excuse me, have dispatched your duties," she giggled again, "you will be dismissed at three thirty and I expect that you get yourself pretty and go to Cassandra's as soon as you are ready, Karen.

"If you are invited to spend the night, please call to inform me not to expect you on duty until four thirty Friday.

"Best that you pack a bag, just in case. If I do not receive a call from you by ten o'clock, I will expect you here and on duty at seven o'clock Friday morning."

"That is all." She picked up her pen and crossword.

"Amanda, you forgot to tell me the menu."

She started to fill in letters on the paper. "No ... that is incorrect, Karen. I told you all that I intend to. End of discussion.

"Resume girl-in-maid-mode. That will be all."

It took me several minutes to realize exactly what I'd heard – Mrs. Buford was leaving the feast entirely up to me!

There is a whole shelf of cookbooks on a rack in the kitchen. I carried several to the table and began to look through them to see if there was any help for my assignment.

As I read, ideas began to form. Two hours after I'd started, I had my shopping list and notes, prepared.

"What are you doing, Karen?" She pressed down on my shoulder when I started to rise to curtsey. Her hand reached over and turned the pad face down. "Never mind, my question has been answered.

*****

"Ma'am, my chores are completed here. With your permission, I should do the shopping now," I stated at ten Wednesday morning.

"Best that you do it then, Karen," she smiled and said no more.

My first stop was the liquor store to purchase a white wine that was among those suggested in one of the books then it was onto the supermarket where I nearly filled a shopping cart with food and other things that I'd written on my list. My last stop was to pick up my surprise. Inspired by the pictures of a feasts in the cookbooks, I'd called a florist Monday and ordered a centerpiece for the dining room table and four arrangements.

Home, I put all of the groceries away, the wine in the refrigerator and had set a floral piece in two of the guest rooms, before Mrs. Buford came upstairs and into her bedroom where I was considering the best place to display the vase of flowers on my tray. I turned and curtseyed.

Seeing the vase I'd just lifted, my employer went wide eyed. "When did I tell you to buy flowers, Karen?"

I placed the flowers in the center of her triple dresser. "Sunday afternoon when we planned Thanksgiving together, ma'am." She stared, her eyes moved between the vase and me while pondering what I had just said.

"I must have briefly forgotten." She was grinned as she walked past me and into her bathroom.

There were three cookbooks open on the table and I was busy preparing one of the dishes when Mrs. Buford sat at the table in the kitchen. When I saw her turn one of them to read what I was doing, I walked over, closed the books and put them back on the shelf then curtseyed.

"Is there something I can do for you ma'am?"

"You are playing games with me, Karen." I thought she was challenging my action. What she had done to me on Sunday had bothered me, as I hadn't thought it fair.

"Yes, ma'am, I am."

"Explain?" obviously, she was annoyed and I was prepared.

"You began the game and stated its rules when I requested help with this. I am playing to the best of my abilities under those rules. I only request that my opponent play fairly too, ma'am."

"Time out. Sit down, Karen, go girl-in-girl-mode, please?" I did so.

"I apologize. I deserved the swift kick in the behind you just gave me. You asked me for help and I kicked you hard then. That was very wrong. I'm sorry."

"I deserved that kick. It's taught me that I really believe that I can pull all of this off, Amanda. Well, I certainly hope that I can and that your guests will be very pleased with you as a good hostess.

Her hand covered mine. "Do you need my help now?"

"Many of the things I'm doing, I've never done before. I tackled the more difficult ones already and won't know if I succeeded or not until tomorrow."

"Want to tell me? Perhaps I can advise you."

I placed my other hand on top of hers. "Amanda, win or lose, I'd like to finish what I've started, please?"

"May I watch? I'll be quiet. I'd really like to do that, please"

*****

With only five hours sleep, I arose, bathed then laced on my corset even though it wouldn't show under my uniform. I'd have no time that afternoon and wanted to wear it for Sandi to show off the new skirt I'd bought for the occasion.

While nearly everything was prepared, I still needed to stuff the turkey with the dressing and get it in the oven, if it was going to be cooked by twelve thirty. I then got things ready to cook breakfast and set the kitchen table. The dining room one had been set the previous evening after Mrs. Buford had eaten.

Breakfast went very well and I hurried through my morning chores to allow time to cook the rest of the feast and serve her guests coffee and both hot and cold hors d'ouvers prior the main meal.

"What a beautiful centerpiece, Amanda; your taste is exquisite."

"Thank you, Suzanne.

"Please be seated?"

There was nothing but compliments as they ate the food I'd served. Seconds and even thirds confirmed for me, that I'd succeed.

"The pumpkin pie is the best I've ever tasted." "I'll second that." "Me too." "Delicious." "May I have another small slice, girl?"

"What bakery did you get this from, Amanda? I want to buy some for Christmas?"

"Karen, where is it that you picked up this pie? My guests love it and would like to shop there."

"It's from the Thomas Bakery, ma'am." At first, my reply didn't register. After a moment, Mrs. Buford motioned her finger to me and her expression questioned. I slightly dipped to affirm her question and she started to laugh.

"My maid baked the pie, Jo."

The woman turned to me. "What mix did you use for this, Karen? It is lovely." she asked.

"The pumpkin is Libby's^® to which I added eggs, heavy cream, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. The crust I made from scratch, ma'am."

"It's excellent. Thank you."

I did manage to clean the dishes and wipe the kitchen before three thirty.

Wearing a white lace-trimmed blouse, white lace pantyhose and the new white leather mini skirt with my black boots, I'd let my braided hair down in a ponytail. I curtseyed to Mrs. Buford.

"Will there be anything else, ma'am?"

"No, thank you very much. Run along, Karen. Happy Thanksgiving."

"Thank you ma'am."

A woman opened the door for me at Sandi's house. "Hi, Happy Thanksgiving. I'm Cindy, Sandi's sister; you must be Karen."

"Hello, I'm Karen Thomas," I curtseyed.

"Sandi called to say she's running late." She hung the jacket Sandi had given me. "Come on I'll introduce you to my parents and Sam.

"Hello, Karen, Happy Thanksgiving."

"Hello Mrs. Martin. Happy Thanksgiving.

Her father stood. "Bill Martin, pleased to meet you, Karen. Happy Thanksgiving."

"Happy Thanksgiving, Mr. Martin."

"Karen, this is my husband Sam." We exchanged greetings and I was invited to sit on the couch.

"Would you like a cocktail, Karen?"

"White wine would be nice, please?" Cindy served me and refilled the others' glasses then sat next to me.

The football game was on the television and there was only a little conversation as both men were interested in the game.

Sandi arrived about fifteen minutes, later.

"Sorry I'm late, we were unbelievably busy." She greeted her parents, Cindy and Sam.

"Hi, Karen, Happy Thanksgiving." I think everyone, but Cindy was as shocked as I was when she placed her hands on the sides of my head and kissed me on the lips.

"You look especially pretty today. Give me a few minutes to change and I'll be down, love."

Someone had turned off the television and they all seemed to be staring at me. Cindy found my hand and squeezed it.

"I believe my little sister didn't quite plan to blow her big secret that way," Cindy stated softly.

I found the courage to speak, "If it helps you to understand. Sandi and I are in love."

"Well," her father took a deep breath. "Is it premature to welcome you to our family, Karen?"

"Just a little, but there is no point in denying it. We plan to live together, sir."

"That's great! Prost and welcome to our family Karen," Sam toasted. Cindy, still holding my hand, leaned and kissed my cheek.

"Congratulations, Karen. I look forward to getting to know you better."

"Is something wrong?" Sandi questioned when the room fell silent as she entered with a beer.

"Nope, sis, but let me say this, you no longer need to work up your courage to tell mom and dad tonight."

"What's that supposed to mean, Cindy?"

"The way you greeted your girlfriend told us a lot more then any words possibly could, Sandra," her mother smiled.

"Congratulations."

"You'll not be hearing you ask you about finding a boyfriend any longer or trying to fix you up with a date, Sandi," her brother-in-law grinned.

"Scoot over a little, Karen." I moved closer to Cindy so Sandi could sit next to me.

"How long have you and Karen been ... dating; I guess that's still the right word, Sandra?"

"We met at the restaurant the week after Labor Day, dad."

"Do you work there too, Karen? I don't think I've seen you."

"No, ma'am, I was a customer the night we first met."

"You must have a high paying job if you can afford to eat there. Cindy and I go for special occasions like our anniversary and her birthday, but seventy to a hundred dollars for dinner and a few drinks or a bottle of wine is a bit steep for us," Sam stated.

"I was a guest of my employer, Sam. My job hardly pays enough to dine there either.

"How long have you and Cindy been married?"

Cindy responded with a grin. "We'll celebrate our tenth one next month.

"What do you do, Karen?" she asked.

"I'm a maid.

There was a short pause after Sandi's mom had excused herself to check on dinner. I fought down my first thought that I should be doing that.

"Which hotel do you work at?"

"I'm not a chambermaid, Mr. Martin. I'm a maid-of-all work."

"What's that mean?" he understandably questioned.

"It means I'm the girl who does any and everything in the household. I'm the upstairs and downstairs maid, parlor maid, lady's maid and cook... Oh, toss in scullery maid too."

"What is a scullery maid, love?" Until that day, Sandi hdadn't previously addressed me as, 'love'.

"She's the girl that washes the pots and pans and fetches the fuel for the stove in the kitchen. That part of my job is really easy, I just twist the knob and the gas company sends it," I joked.

"You make it sound like you're a live-in maid then? That's a lot of work you described for just seven or eight hours a day, a few days a week." Mrs. Martin had returned. "I thought you were just teasing me about being a maid and not a glamour model when we first met. I didn't believe a word of that."

"Mom, my Karen is special in a very many ways. In some ways, she is a throwback to the nineteenth century. She really was telling you the truth about being a maid; a full-time, live-in one," Sandi attempted to confirm.

"I'd like another, please?" Automatically, I rose with a curtsey and reached for Sam's glass.

Cindy pushed my arm aside. "Tonight, you are assigned to be the off-duty maid, Karen. Sit!" She smiled at me nicely.

"No one has a live-in maid; after all, it's 2005," Mrs. Martin said.

"Mom, it's a great big world out there, but, as much as we believe that, the old cliché, that it's a small world too.

"Karen, by any chance, are you Amanda Buford's maid?" Sam asked.

"Yes, it's a very small world, Sam; my employer is Mrs. Buford. How did you happen to guess that?"

"Two and two plus one, with Sandi's big surprise. I'm an architect and your boss commissioned me to design an upper floor addition to her garage to be an apartment for her live-in maid's and her lover's use.

"Not to sell myself short, but there is just so much that my profession can do to make a bare apartment 'very feminine'," he chuckled.

"I'll have my red Sharpie^® ready," I smiled. "Sandi, if her schedule permits, and I are to see your baby tomorrow, Sam. Mrs. Buford said that we may suggest reasonable alterations."

Sam seemed to light up, "Dad, may Karen spend the night? I've my laptop and have the drawings loaded on it. Amanda seemed not to understand them. Maybe we can work through the changes they'd like together in the morning?"

"Edie, it's your call," he turned to his wife.

"We permitted Cindy to spend nights together before they were married and my parents permitted us to. If I said no, it would not only be without a good reason, but also more than a bit hypocritical and bigoted. We're not those, certainly I hope we're not.

"Of course you may stay over, Karen."

"May I use your phone, please? I must inform my employer."

"You're an adult, Karen. Do you need permission, Karen?" Cindy questioned.

"No, I already was given permission. I still should keep her informed."

"Use the phone in my room, Karen," Sandi offered.

"Karen, I'm jealous."

"Jealous? Why?"

"Your waist; I diet and go to the gym three times a week and it's a struggle to keep in a size ten skirt. How do you mange to have such a tiny one?"

"I'm wearing a corset, Cindy. Without it, I'm a size nine."

"No one wears a corset these days."

"Just like no one has a live-in maid, mom?" Sandi asked rhetorically. "I just told you, my Karen is a throwback to the late eighteen hundreds."

As I'd not eaten since just toast for breakfast, I enjoyed the meal, but couldn't eat much because of my tightly laced corset. While the small portions I'd eaten convinced me that my cooking was far better, I politely complimented the feast that Mrs. Martin had prepared.

Cindy had served what her mother had prepared; she seemed to run the show, but I didn't question. Though out, I felt the urge to jump up and be doing something other than just relaxing and enjoying being with my girlfriend and her family.

"It's snowing," I announced when I came in after retrieving my over-night bag from my car. There's at least an inch on the ground already." Every one got up to look out the rear sliding doors.

"I love to watch a snowfall. What's the forecast?" Sandi's mother asked.

"Last I saw was for overcast with a chance of snow showers," her father answered.

My girlfriend and I went up to her bedroom around ten o'clock. Before we undressed, Sandi embraced me for a passionate kiss. As our tongues entwined, I felt her hands rubbing the laces on my corset.

"I really love when you are all tight like this, Karen. Please wear it to bed for me?"

"I think you just like me being helpless," I joked and started to undress.

"When we were locked in that cage together, I never felt so randy before. If that bitch, Wanda, or whatever her name was, hadn't locked our leashes to keep us apart, I'd have devoured you."

"You certainly had the fangs and claws to do it." I playfully took Sandi's nipple in my teeth when she'd removed her bra.

*****

"You're up early," Sam said when he entered the kitchen at seven twenty. "Good morning, Karen."

"Good morning." I got up and fixed him a cup of coffee as I'd seen him take it after dinner.

"Force of habit; I still don't think Sandi's mom believes I'm a maid. I'm on duty every morning by seven." I served him and resumed my seat.

He laughed, "No, she doesn't. When she told Cindy and I that a friend of Sandi's was coming for dinner, mom said you were a model for Playboy^®. I believed her when my sister-in-law sent Cindy your picture and seeing you when you walked in confirmed it."

"Thank you for the compliment, Sam."

"Tell me, why aren't you?"

"What's a pretty girl like me doing in a job like that?" I teased. He nodded.

"I live in a mansion. Ask Sandi and she'll confirm that. I've no rent or mortgage, I eat gourmet food, I've a closet full of nice clothes, the car I drive is fully paid off, I don't pay for gas or maintenance on it, I have full medical and dental coverage, I've a big swimming pool at my disposal, my boss is great; what else? How many my age; I'm twenty-two, can come close to truthfully saying that, Sam? For all that, I work about sixty hours a week."

Sam chuckled, "I gross nearly a hundred grand a year and I certainly can't. After all the bills, we've about enough left to go to a movie and eat out once a month and it certainly isn't at the place where Sandi works."

"You've a very respectable professional occupation too. Tell them that you are an architect and I'll bet most people automatically think you're rich. If I say I'm a maid, they automatically think I'm poor and couldn't get a better job if I tried. Sandi's a lowly waitress by choice too and they think the same about her too. We both have four year college bachelor's degrees and, if you count all I'm compensated, our combined income is close to yours.

"If others have some crazy idea that our jobs are to be looked down on then that's their problem. I do most all of the household shopping in my uniform and I get a laugh out of the way the soccer moms look at me," I giggled.

"I really like you, Karen."

"Best not let your wife or her sister hear you say that, Sam. Mrs. Buford sent the last guy who said it to her packing so fast, his head had to be spinning."

"Just because he said he liked you? Why?"

"His exact words were a lot less polite; more precisely he verbally expressed what he'd like to do to the maid and was thinking with the brain in his crotch," I grinned. Sam laughed.

"It's good to see you getting along so well with my girlfriend, Sam." Sandi gripped my ponytail and gently pulled my head back to give me a nice kiss.

"Good morning, Karen." She poured her own coffee then joined us at the table.

"Is everyone still sleeping?" Sam asked.

"Cindy's in the shower and I'm pretty sure I heard dad moving around."

"I better start getting breakfast ready." Sandi grabbed my wrist when I started to stand.

"What did my sister tell you last night? How does Amanda phrase it? ...Ah. Karen, go in girl-in-off-duty-maid-mode and stay that way please?"

He chuckled, "My wife loves to entertain, just let her be girl-in-cook-mode. Did I say that right?"

"Yup," I confirmed.

*****

Sam set up his laptop on the dining room table with Sandi on one side and me on the other to show us the floor plan for our apartment.

"What's this?" Sandi pointed to a circle in the corner nearest the house.

"A spiral staircase."

"Why not a real staircase?"

"The garage has a ten foot ceiling, Sandi. Conventional stairs would require a landing and take up too much floor space. The pool pump, filter and heater are here and door to the hall in the house here. They'd interfere with stairs.

"This is a hallway to the living room..."

"Orient me, Sam. Which is the front of the house and which is the back?"

"This is the front, Karen." He moved the cursor.

"And those are windows along the wall?" I traced with my nail.

"Yes."

"Can you flip it and put the windows in back?"

"Or on both sides, Sam?" Sandi requested.

"I can, but Amanda vetoed both ideas, girls. The pool is right in back of the garage and she'd like her privacy and not have you staring out on her or her guests. You also might someday move out and it becomes more important if she leases it to future tenants.

"Having to raise both sides of the roof would also considerably increase the cost."

"But you have a window here." I pointed to one in back by the staircase.

"It is high up near the ceiling and you'd need to be eight feet tall to see out too."

He continued the tour to point out two very large walk-in closets, our spacious bedroom and the bathroom. There was a small kitchen too, but not enough room to put a table; that would have to be in a space that formed part of the living room

"Can we have both a bathtub and separate enclosed shower? Oh, two sinks in the vanity too."

"Why, Sandi?" he questioned.

"You told us that Amanda said she wanted it to be feminine. This house has only two and a half baths. Cindy and I used to always get in a fight when we both wanted to get ready to go out at the same time."

"Sam laughed. "Add to that that she takes forever in the bathroom, Sandi."

"Tell me something I don't know. Gees."

"I'll make the changes to the bathroom then ask dad if I can use his plotter to make a copy to show Amanda, Karen."

"Thank you."

"Hey, Karen, come here for a moment, please?" We walked in the living room where Cindy was seated on the couch sorting through a big pile of clothes.

"Seeing you in the pleated mini this morning, reminded me of my old clothes stored in the attic. When I was in junior high, I was about your size and brought them down for you.

"I've been meaning to donate these to Goodwill^® for years, so don't worry that you'll hurt my feelings if you say, 'no thanks'."

I sat next to her and started to look at what she was offering. "These are really nice Cindy," I truthfully told her. The skirts were as short as the green tartan one I was wearing with black pantyhose and boots. I'd wear all I looked at.

"This is a real mini kilt from Scotland, a guy I was dating in college asked his mother to have it made for me. You just pin the waistband so it will fit you." I stood to wrap the yellow white, black and red pleated plaid around me. The wool skirt, despite being so short, was surprisingly heavy.

"Traditionally, you're not supposed to wear anything under it," she giggled.

"Since I'm not Scots, I'll break tradition when I wear it then," I grinned.

"I wasn't that daring either."

"Here's a costume for your next Halloween party." She offered her yellow, white and black cheerleader's skirt and thick white turtleneck sweater. "The letter just peels off to wash this or wear the sweater by itself." She did that to show me the Velcro^® on its back. "My saddle shoes wore out so you'll have to get your own."

*****

"Go girl-in-girl-mode, Karen and sit with me to tell me all about your visit," Mrs. Buford said when I curtseyed to go on duty that afternoon. I smoothed my black uniform under and sat close where she'd patted the couch.

"Relax and sit back," she said when I perched on the front of the cushion."

"I can't, Amanda." She guessed the reason and ran her hand up the back of my corset to feel its laces and confirm her suspicion.

"I believe I told you not to wear that any longer."

"You did, but Sandi really likes me nipped in. I'm sorry I..."

"Sish." Her fingers pressed my lips.

"Do you want me to order real corsets for you?"

"Please?"

"We'll measure you in the morning then."

"What's this?" Mrs. Buford lifted the folded floor plan from my tray.

"Where did you get this, Karen?" she asked when she read the title block. "Did you take this from my desk?" she turned angry.

"If you will take just a moment to read the date," I touched where it was printed, "you'll see that I did not, ma'am."

"November 25^th; that's today. Answer my first question, where did you get this?"

"Sam Wallace is Sandi's brother-in-law, Amanda." She gave me a hug and kissed my cheek.

"Small world..."

"I apologize for even thinking you would remove something from my desk. I'm sorry."

As she unfolded it, I helped and smoothed it on the coffee table.

"What did you and Sandi change?"

"The bathroom." I went on to explain what we were asking for and our reasons. "That's the only changes we made after Sam explained why the other changes were already not for consideration."

"What else did you want?"

"To have the windows in back or on both sides," I stated. "Both Sandi and I accept your reasons to want them only in front, Amanda."

"Anything else regarding this?"

"Only that Sam said he could have all the other drawings and bid packages ready in three weeks after your approval."

"Fold this up, please?"

"Do you know his phone number?" I answered by pointing to the title block.

"He and Cindy are staying at Sandi's parents until tomorrow."

"Call him up now, Karen, and tell him I approve and to get started."

When I returned and sat down, Mrs. Buford said, "You did an absolutely fabulous job yesterday and with all the preparations, Karen."

"Thank you."

"My guests could not compliment me enough regarding you and your performance. I told you at the start, such would be the way it is, but they know the truth about who made the holiday a grand success. I think you'll be a bit surprised when you make up the guest room in the morning."

"Surprised?"

"I just looked in each of the rooms that were used to make sure they'd not left anything behind and saw that each couple did leave something behind, but it was intentional.

"Oh, I'd no idea you were thoughtful enough to place flowers in those rooms too until I went there this afternoon.

"Because of the way you are ... dispatching your duties," she giggled, "I've decided to give you a sixty percent raise." She took four new twenty dollar bills from her pocket and handed them to me. "I was going to make it fifty percent, but had nothing smaller than twenties in my wallet, so ninety dollars a week for now."

"Thank you very much, Amanda." I placed the bills under the drawing on my tray; as my new uniforms and aprons had no pockets.

"Why don't you open that last bottle of that delicious wine you selected and bring it here with two glasses then we can enjoy it while you tell me about your visit?"

Mrs. Buford had another thing to discuss with me after I'd related the events at the Martin's home.

"Would you like more responsibility here, Karen? I'm not telling you to, I'm asking." Truth was that some days while I was on my afternoon break, I was bored. Shopping at the mall for clothing had lost its charm and that was going to be more so with all of the clothing Cindy had given me. They were all still in the back of my car.

"What would you like me to do, Amanda?"

"For a start, I'd like you to take complete charge of the construction. That means putting the job out for bids. Reviewing the proposals and giving me your recommendation as part of it. Once I've signed the contract, from start to finish it would be your responsibility. If additional costs are to be incurred, I expect you to solicit my approval before you commit to them, but otherwise, I don't want to be involved.

"Would you accept that job?"

"May I give you my answer tomorrow morning, Amanda?"

"Certainly.

"What is a good time for me to come to your quarters before you put your uniform on tomorrow morning?" I told her a quarter past six.

*****

Mrs. Buford knocked on my door right on time. She had a form and carefully measured me over a full slip to fill in its blanks.

"Before you ask, the answers are all, 'no', Karen."

"No to what, ma'am?"

"You've no input to your new corsets. Trust me that I'll buy you ones that are of the highest quality and that they will be functional and not decorative.

"I'll provide the exact URL to the company if you can't find Wasp Creations^® on your own."

The house wasn't exactly a mess, but I thought of it as such. I requested permission to postpone shopping until Sunday then spent most of Saturday, including my normal break to return it to the conditions that I'd established it should be.

The surprises that my employer had mentioned were tips. One was a hundred dollar bill and the other fifty dollars. The second was wrapped in a handwritten note.

'Maid Karen,

Thank you so very much. My husband and I had a most pleasant visit with Amanda and know exactly who was responsible for much of it. Old fashioned protocol dictates that we pretend servants do not exist and the results of all their hard work just happens by magic.

I would be very proud of you and your performance, if you were my daughter.

Please use the enclosed to buy something pretty for yourself.

Again, thank you very much for a most pleasant Thanksgiving!

We look forward to seeing you at Christmas.

Johanna Bodine

PS. Your pumpkin pie was scrumptious!

I placed the note and monies in my bra and resumed my chores.

As I worked, I decided to open a bank account at my first opportunity, but had second thoughts, as having one would mean I'd have to provide my true identity. As far as I was concerned, Kevin no longer existed; I was Karen and not someone else. By the time I went up to my room, I had the solution to that matter.

*****

Coincidently, Mrs. Buford was again doing her Sunday crossword when I curtseyed. She glanced at me then her watch before setting her puzzle on the table.

"Oh no, Karen's already in evening uniform and it's only ten to two. She must want another one of those talks," she giggled at her joke.

"Sit, Karen, what is it this time?"

"Yes, ma'am, one of those." I was poised with my pen.

She wagged her finger, "Before you start interrogating me, go girl-in-girl-mode." More and more, she told me to do that.

"Have you any special plans between now and Christmas Eve, Amanda?" I'd made notes of what I'd thought of that I needed to know.

"No, none. I'll let you know as soon as I make them, if I do."

"How many guests might I expect on Christmas Eve?"

"Might you expect?" she laughed. "They are my guests Karen. I don't think you should expect any."

"Yes, ma'am. My choice of the proper words was inappropriate. I apologize; please excuse my error?"

"How many guests will you have that I should I anticipate serving, ma'am, so that I may plan accordingly."

"Karen, I did say, 'girl-in-girl–mode'."

"Then please stop playing head games, Amanda, so I can do my job?"

"I apologize; that is exactly what I was doing.

"Three couples should arrive Saturday afternoon. The two who you served on Thanksgiving will be among them. Plan dinner for six o'clock. We will exchange presents with them after dinner. I'd like you on duty until they retire.

"Be on duty at eight on Christmas and ready to do breakfast when they come down. All meals will be taken in the dining room."

"Linen, crystal, china and sterling; noted. Go on, please?"

"On Christmas morning, two more couples should arrive between ten and eleven. Plan dinner for three o'clock, Karen.

"I'll exchange presents with them prior to dinner."

"Oh, your role in that... Place the gifts under the tree and pass them out when I tell you, please?

"The Christmas Day guests will depart sometime after dinner. Monday morning is when I expect the others to depart, so there will be another breakfast to serve."

"What are your dinner menu preferences, Amanda?"

"Surprise me," she grinned.

"Rare standing rib roast on Christmas Eve and goose for Christmas," I said as I wrote.

"Karen you accused me of head games earlier, you are playing one now." I set down the pen and placed my tray on the table.

"Amanda, I'm just giving you back what you are giving me. Quite often, you've told me how pleased you are with me as your maid. I have never been happier than being here doing my job and trying to constantly improve. So, we both like my situation.

"Why do you feel the need to slap me down when I try to do better?"

Mrs. Buford didn't answer for over a minute.

"Seems I'm always apologizing to you lately. At this point, I've more to learn being your mistress than you do being my maid.

"The roast beef on the medium rare side is fine for Christmas Eve. I've never tasted goose. What's it like?"

"All dark meat and a bit stronger, but the taste is very different than turkey. You don't like the dark meat on turkey, you'll not like goose."

"Get a whole fresh ham and stuff it, Karen?" I picked up my tray to write.

"How many Christmas trees would you like?"

"You obviously think I should have more than one. I've always liked decorating for Christmas. We'll do it together, OK?"

I giggled, "You don't need my permission to decorate your house, Amanda.

"May I have your permission to hire a contractor to decorate the outside of the house and grounds, please?" I asked.

*****

The three weeks between our conversation and Christmas Eve were very hectic with cleaning and decorating. I did manage to squeeze in enough time to shop to buy presents for Sandi and Mrs. Buford along with a visit to the County Court Clerk and one with Sam. The building contractors could wait until after Christmas. I also went to Kenisha's salon to have my fingernails lengthened and filled the Sunday before Christmas. I'd decorate them Christmas Eve morning or the night before.

I missed Sandi, a lot. We just couldn't see each other, as her schedule with office Christmas parties and regular dinners filled every day for the entire month. Our communications were limited to just emails.

Friday the 23^rd, I was busy baking cookies when the rear door chimes rang and startled me. The first time it was the florists delivering the centerpiece and the arrangements I'd ordered along with the corsage that was to be a surprise for Mrs. Buford Christmas Day; I paid for that with my own money. I had the deliveryman place everything on the dining room table until I finished my baking and could move them to where I intended. The corsage, I buried deep in the refrigerator.

The second ring was just moments later. It was the postman with four packages and I had to sign receipts for each. I guessed the contents of two from Wasp Creations^® but the one from Miss by Elaine^® in Epsom, Surry, England stumped me.

"Packages were delivered, ma'am," I stated once she acknowledged my curtsey.

"Place them on my floor here, please? Thank you, Karen. That will be all." She had been wrapping presents. "Close the door on the way out, please?"

I returned to my baking. When all the cookies were done and the kitchen was clean, I distributed all of the flowers to the guest rooms, Mrs. Buford's bedroom and the living room with the centerpiece on the dining room table. Once I'd set the dining room table for the following evening, I went up to change to evening uniform. As busy as I'd been, I'd worn nothing but one of my uniforms for the entire month; even to court.

*****

"Merry Christmas, Karen," Mrs. Bodine greeted when I opened the door. "Take these, please, and put them where they belong?" I accepted the armload of gift wrapped packages. "Go on. I can hang my own coat." I placed the red wrapped boxes under the tree in the living room.

"Hi Karen. Merry Christmas! Help me with these in the kitchen, will you?" Mr. Bodine had his arms full with two large, supermarket bags. I followed him to the kitchen. Together, we unpacked bottles of wine then cheeses and loaves of bread.

"Will you need my help with our bags bringing them up to the room we used last time? We'll put everything away."

"I don't think so, sir."

"Good girl. Just close the trunk." He gave me a nice smile.

Screw my orders! When I opened the door at about three o'clock to Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox I greeted, "Merry Christmas! Please come in?"

He offered me red wrapped packages too then went for their luggage and she went to the kitchen with her laden bag after we'd exchanged season's greetings and brushing her cheek to mine.

Mrs. Buford came down and directed me to start dinner and make hors d'ouveres

I was very busy for the next few hours preparing and cooking dinner and refilling cocktails and wine. It was only when they were all seated that I noticed a place setting at the foot of the table. I'd not put it there.

After I'd served everyone, Mrs. Buford spoke, "As it is Christmas, I've requested my maid sit with us and also enjoy our elegant feast that she has worked so hard to prepare for our enjoyment. I hope that no one objects. She'll happily serve you should you need anything."

"Just shut up, Mandy," Johanna Bodine said.

"Karen, slide everything over next to me from the outfield then fill your plate and sit."

"Girl-in-girl-mode, Karen," Mrs. Buford ordered.

"What's that mean, Mandy?" Mr. Wilcox asked.

"I've kept Karen on a tight rein since she came to work for me almost four months ago. You may have noticed that she tries so be very hard to be polite and conducts herself in a manner that went out of style more than a half century ago, Charlie."

"More like a whole century plus, Mandy," Susan, his wife stated.

"Anyway, girl-in-girl-mode means that I permit her to act like an equal and not just as my maid."

"Karen, I'm Bob," Mr. Bodine said. "Merry Christmas," he raised his wine glass and clicked the rim of his to mine.

"Merry Christmas, Bob."

"Delicious meal, Mandy," Mr. Wilcox complimented.

Mrs. Bodine rapped her fork angrily against her water tumbler. "Can we all cut the crap? Mandy hired and trained a great maid. End of credit to our gracious hostess.

"Karen did all of the work! Let's give credit where it is really due!

"Thank you, Mandy.

"I'll bet a million, that Karen selected the excellent beef, as well as the rest of our meal and cooked all of it by herself, just as she did for when we gathered for Thanksgiving.

"Let's give the maid the credit she earned and so well deserves!" she restated.

"The credit belongs to Karen," Mrs. Buford quietly affirmed,

"Now, let's all enjoy her efforts before it gets cold." Mr. Watt said. He was one of the guests I'd not previously met.

*****

"Kneel here next to me, Karen," Johanna almost ordered when I curtseyed to everyone gathered by the tree in the living room after completing my evening chores.

"You are still in girl-in-girl-mode, Karen," Mrs. Buford made that an order when she knelt close to me.

All of her guests were getting comfortable on the floor before me. Between us was a mountain of red gift-wrapped packages; OK, a pile of them.

"Mandy said, 'nothing for her this year'," Mrs. Watt stated. "Merry Christmas, Karen. Your dinner was excellent."

I slit the tape with my red and white nail. As if noticing the candy cane stripes I'd created for the first time, Mrs. Buford complimented, "Love your nails, Karen. Thank you."

I could hardly believe that relative strangers gave me such lovely presents, mostly very nice clothing. Johanna's was a gorgeous black suit made from the softest leather I'd ever felt.

"I told everyone your new measurements, Karen," She handed me the first of the two promised corsets. It was of white twill fabric. The one I opened next was identical, but in black.

"Starting in the morning, my Karen is going to begin a strict regimen of corset training. Please do not get the incorrect impression that I've even suggested this, let alone ordered it. Karen requested it. My role is merely to enforce it and see that she meets her goal."

"How small of a waist have you targeted, Karen?" Mrs. Watt questioned.

"My natural waist right now is twenty-six inches, Susan. I think I'd like it to be twenty."

"Oh, don't stop there. The Victorian ideal was eighteen or less," her husband chuckled as did some of the others.

"Whatever target Karen achieves, the measurements I provided will require her waist to be just four inches less then now measured over her new corsets, which is actually a five inch or more reduction under them," Mrs. Buford announced then handed me another present.

"These are corset liners. Be sure to wear a clean one every morning when you put on your corset." The package contained three in white and another set in black.

"This is a new uniform that I had made for you," my employer slid over the box that was obviously the parcel from England. "I'd like you to wear it tomorrow, please?"

The dress was black velvet with a fitted bodice, leg-o-mutton sleeves and short skirt. Also in the box was multi-layered white taffeta petticoat, ruffle covered panties, frilly apron and fancy headpiece.

I embraced Mrs. Buford and kissed her. Thank you very much, Amanda. Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas, Karen."

*****

After being dismissed early, I managed a decent night's sleep. As arranged, Mrs. Buford came to my room at seven o'clock to help me with the black corset for the first time. I'd already removed the eight garter straps and had it on with all of the slack removed from the laces.

"There, twenty-two inches." She tied off after measuring me again. "How does it feel?"

"Surprisingly comfortable compared to my other corset, ma'am."

"That's the difference between a good custom made one and the costume piece.

"Can you see the gap in back?" I'd moved before my mirror and twisted to look. "See how it is even from top to bottom?"

"Yes."

"Keep it that way. As your body adapts in the coming months and you strive for a smaller waist, don't just tighten it in the middle, but evenly, like it is now.

"Karen, do not rush. It is going to take months or longer to train. Please consult with me regarding any problems?

"Please put on your black net tights?" While I did, she sorted out the petticoat. Unlike others, the new one didn't just fasten at the waist, but had a thin bodice and shoulder straps like a full slip. Its skirt was very full.

"There are fourteen layers of ruffles there," I was informed when she closed the back zipper of the dress.

Once I was fully dressed and she'd knelt to buckle the patent party pumps on my feet, I offered the packages I'd wrapped containing the presents I'd bought her.

"Merry Christmas ... Amanda." Her look was a blank stare at what I extended for a brief time.

"Let's do this right. Bring them down by the tree, Karen." We went downstairs and she asked me to kneel facing her after she'd sunk to her knees.

"Everything is so beautiful, thank you, Karen!" I'd bought her a floor length white negligee and lacy peignoir. She stood and shed her robe then her nightie.

"Dress your mistress, maid!" She tried to make it a stern order, but started to giggle while facing me naked.

"I've one more gift for you, but you'll need to be dressed first, Amanda."

"I am dressed. This is so beautiful I'm not going to wear anything else today."

"You will not shame me by going around in front of the guests with your boobies flopping about and your nipples showing! You are nothing but a wanton slut, but today you can at least try to pretend as if you have benefited from some sort of upbringing. Now do as you were told, slut!" I ordered.

She countered by embracing me tightly and kissing me.

"Thank you very much Karen. Merry Christmas.

"Go up and fix your makeup. I've ruined it. Please put on your choker too."

While in my room, I took out my original day pinafore, which I'd wear to protect my pretty new uniform in the kitchen.

*****

With the four extra guests to be seated for dinner, I didn't expect to be invited to sit at the table again. "Karen, place two more settings on the table, please?" I didn't question Mrs. Buford's request, but complied. Obviously there had been a last minute change to her plans.

"Did you wish me to hold dinner until your other guests arrive, ma'am?" She checked her watch.

"Get me the telephone, please?"

I curtseyed with it on my tray.

"Stay, this will only be a moment, Karen."

"Merry Christmas. It's Amanda..."

"OK." She pressed the 'Off' button and set the phone on my tray.

"Fifteen minutes, Karen."

"I'll get the door! Set the food out, Karen!" Mrs. Buford called when the chimes rang.

I was placing the platters on the sideboard as the guests started to come into the dining room. "Mandy wants the food on the table, Karen," Mrs. Bodine informed me then started to help as did Mrs. Watts.

"What is the phrase? Yes, Karen you are ordered to sit there," Mrs. Bodine pointed to the foot of the table. "You are further ordered to go girl-in-girl-mode!" she was very firm in stating that.

The women took their seats and the men remained gentlemen. I sensed Mrs. Buford behind me.

"Everyone, I'd like you to greet Karen's fiancé, Cassandra Martin!"

Sandi kissed my ear, "Merry Christmas, darling.

"Merry Christmas, everyone. I'm sorry that I'm a little late." They returned her greeting as Mrs. Buford tended a chair for Sandi to sit on my right. We leaned towards each other to kiss our lips together.

"Merry Christmas, Sandi. You look gorgeous." She wore a bright, red suede suit over a white blouse with a lacy jabot and red suede knee boots.

All but Mr. Wilcox sat after Mrs. Buford had. He went into the kitchen.

"Johanna should have told you, you are to go strict girl-in-girl-mode and are relieved of all duties until tomorrow morning," Mrs. Buford stated. Mr. Bodine said grace.

Mr. Wilcox filled my wine glass then Sandi's before going around the table for everyone else.

"Karen doesn't know it until now, but I would like to toast and congratulate the happy couple." Sandi took my left hand from my lap, lifted it and slipped a diamond ring on my finger.

"I'm not even going to ask you. That way you can't say, 'no'." We kissed.

"To the happy couple," resounded throughout the room followed by "Merry Christmas."

Numerous times I was complimented on the delicious meal I'd made. Mrs. Bodine and Mrs. Watts took it upon themselves to perform duties I would otherwise have been doing and Mr. Wilcox acted as the sommelier. Everyone enjoyed the diner together and included us in their conversations.

When we'd finished, Sandi took my hand and looked around briefly. "Stand here." She continued to hold my hand.

"OK everyone. I've got my future wife held prisoner under the mistletoe. If you want to see her engagement ring and give her a big kiss, now's your chance."

I was a sport about it and no one took advantage of me, just light kisses and brushing my cheek with theirs.

"The ring is beautiful, Cassandra. Is it one caret?"

"The total is one caret counting the two baguettes. The main stone is point eight carets, Amanda."

"White gold?" Mrs. Watts asked. Sandi confirmed that was what the Florentine setting was.

"Cassandra, may I ask a personal question?"

"Certainly, George, go ahead."

"You are very pretty too, how did you two decide that Karen was going to be the bride?"

"Tut, tut. Frankly, your question surprises me."

"I'm sorry..."

"Oh sish! Nothing to be apologizing for, George.

"I thought the answer to your question was quite obvious. Just look at this pretty little thing in her cute new uniform." Sandi lifted my skirt and petticoat up high. "And look at these adorable ruffled panties." Her hand soft cupped my crotch and gently squeezed. "How can you possibly imagine that Karen could even pretend to take the man's role in our relationship?

"Why, it should be so clear to everyone that the only place for her is as my wife." It was all said in jest and everyone chuckled or giggled; including me. The fact was, I had let my fiancé dominate in our relationship and take the lead and I willing submitted, but it was hardy a DS type of thing.

"Come kneel by the tree so I can give you your Christmas presents, Sandi."

"Karen, please wait until Susan and Johanna finish in the kitchen; I'm sure that they'd like to see too?" Mrs. Buford requested.

"Yes, Amanda. I wasn't thinking."

"Kneel there with Cassandra and show her all the presents everyone gave you while you wait." We did exactly that. But for those Mrs. Buford had given me, all of my other gifts had remained and displayed under the tree.

"Before you start, girls, let me give Cassandra my gifts to her." Mrs. Buford extended a long thin package and a small rectangular one. Sandi leaned over to retrieve a cubicle gift box.

"This is for you, Amanda. Merry Christmas."

My employer opened hers first and held up a beautiful cut crystal vase. "Very nice. Thank you very much, Cassandra.

"Open the small one first. I'm sure that you'll know exactly how to use those."

The room filled with laugher when she held up a shiny pair of handcuffs.

"Let's try them out now," she grinned at me.

"Oh no! Please no!" I squealed while, at the same time, I twisted and offered my hands behind. "Don't do this to me... No please? ...I'll be a good girl!"

"There, now let's see what this is." After the cuffs, I think everyone probably guessed the contents. The black leather crop had a little brass tag on its handle.

"For Karen's Behind," Sandi read. She cut the air with a whistling sound then just lightly tapped the top of each of my thighs.

"I think Karen will quickly learn obedience." They laughed again.

"Where can I put this so I don't misplace it?" Sandi looked around then at me. I parted my lips and opened.

"Excellent," one of the men said; my attention was on Sandi. I closed on the leather to hold it crossways in my lips, which drew more laughter. Sandi let me stay like that for only a minute then crawled behind and opened the handcuffs.

She kissed me before removing the crop and setting it aside. "Thanks for being a good sport, Karen." She kissed me lightly again. I wanted more, but restrained my desires in front of Mrs. Buford and her guests.

I'd given Sandi a black suede bodysuit and slender skirt in shiny black leather for Christmas.

 

The End Chapter IV

  

  

  

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