The Spy's Daughter And The Rebel Colonel (Closed for Initiate_me))

[Initiate_me]

We had reached the outer edges of my father's plantation. We passed the tobacco fields, with no sign of people - it seemed unlikely that work had finished for the day... then I realised that it was Sunday. No one here was made to undertake any unnecessary labour on a Sunday, that was one of my father's strict rules.

https://redhillfarms.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/tobacco-field-web.jpg[img] To me the fields were a beautiful sight. A sight that told me I was but a few minutes ride from my home. I still felt nervous. I glanced at Rusty - impassive. I glanced behind me - Marabel slept still. We came to the gate that divided the rest of the plantation off from the home, and Rusty disembarked to open it, led the horses through, closed it, and hopped back up to the driver's seat. [img]https://greenvillejournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/RG53.jpg

Moments later we rounded the corner and the house was now in view. It felt like years and years since I had seen it, though it had been only a few short months.

https://cdn.theculturetrip.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/bwkarp.jpg

 

[Homerun2611]

We had ridden a while, and it had been nice. I had been in no hurry, but I did understand that our ability to speak directly might be limited with Marabel, so after Elizabeth ensured she was asleep, we began our discussion. I had asked many questions and I listened carefully and understood some of the turmoil Elizabeth was trying to express.

She had left her home, a wild eyed girl, and was now returning, very much a young woman. Part of that was my doing and our romantic interludes and carnal exchanges, but it was also far more. She had seen the horrors of war up front and personal, and she had also learned enough to question certain things back on her plantation, and this Southern way of life, that had once seemed so normal, natural and befitting her lord.

I looked forward to meeting her mother, although her phrasing suggested her mother might be a woman with desires of her own, perhaps even wanton. The fact, and I did understand why, that we would keep our romance a secret, would make her mother’s advances, should they materialize, a good bit harder to idly dismiss. I was a man, a bit nearer to Elizabeth’s mother’s age than Elizabeth herself. I was also a soldier, and it was no secret of the pent up desires for earthly needs that war had manifested, in even the most pious of us. I was a widower, as well, and women seemed to naturally, almost instinctively feel a need to satisfy such a man's desires while fueling their own.

I also looked forward to meeting her father, a man whose return might simplify my life greatly. It was clear she loved her father dearly, and I was not surprised as I couldn't imagine a father, my beautiful Elizabeth, could not wrap around her little finger!

Her mother, and anyone there, would also have leverage. I was near recovered, there were many in battle in far worse shape. Technically, one might argue that, I was on the fringes of being a deserter. However, I also knew that I no longer had the heart to wage this war. I did not believe in our cause, and a soldier without the heart of conviction would most likely find himself dead, sooner rather than later. I needed to curry Elizabeth’s mother’s good favor such that she did not feel inclined to return me to the battlefields.

As to the rest, I looked forward to meeting Mr. Cornice, Mrs. Winters, and in particular Mr. Stanton, and Ann. All of that was fine, and would give me insight into Elizabeth and her upbringing. No, there was no problem there, the problem was clearly Mr. Williams. The men who hold themselves high and mighty over the colored workers or remnant farmers they oversee. Taking liberties with women as they choose and letting their sadomasochistic desires play out on the lashed backs, or the sweet sexual fruits of the poor workers. Nearly every plantation had one or more of these repugnant creatures. `

"It is fine, we will keep our love a secret, although I do hope we can find occassion to steal away and still partake of each other?...And I will do as you suggest with Marabel, but we may need to put on a bit of a pretense to have credibility. Elizabeth, I need you to trust in what we have, and that my feelings for you are unlike any I have felt before or plan to. However, I may have to do some things to protect you, me and Marabel, things that may appear to fly contrary to those feelings. What we have here though, is the truth...and we must trust each other, do you understand?"

The kiss was sweet and the last we would enjoy during our journey, for not long after, we heard Marable stirring and obviously awake. The area of Tennessee where Elizabeth lived was truly beautiful, rolling hills, not too dissimilar from my Virginia home. The plantation was a bit larger than my own, but the house was similar, or at least as I left it, but with the recent advances of the Union into Virginia, only the Lord knew what might be left.

Elizabeth's home was beautiful though, as it was still untouched by war. I too had wondered about the workers before remembering it was the Lord's sabbath. It was nice to see that at least the slaves were given a day to rest. I had opened the gates and we were headed toward the big house, Elizabeth's home. I heard the crack and the whelp coming form a small cottage maybe 30 yards away from the house. Beyond the cottage another 20 yards or so were the long sets of slave quarters, horse and cattle barns, and chicken coops.

The crack was clearly from the cottage, followed by a sharp cry, and finally, "Take dat bitch....see if der is any fight in you now!" I looked at Elizabeth who looked horrified, and shortly after watched a young black girl, pretty, but crying, stumble out of the house in a cotton dress, ripped open all the way down it's front. She couldn't have been more than eighteen or nineteen, her skin was a light chocolate, which meant she had been bred at least partially of white blood, her features were fine, and she would have been quite striking had her eyes not been swollen from her crying and her lip swollen from God only knows what!"

She was running and stumbling away, soon a man appeared, white, opening the door while tightening his belt. "Dat's okay bitch...I done wid you....but you'll be back!" Elizabeth did not have to tell me who it was, I knew it was Williams, and my blood ran cold. I had half a mind to hop off right there and knock the son of a bitch into next week. Except I was a guest, not even that yet, and that was not the first impression I wanted to make. Somehow I suppressed my natural reaction and continued the final fifty yards before drawing our wagon to a halt. Elizabeth and I had not even had a chance to talk, but I could only guess what she and worse yet, Marabel might be thinking.

Yet before I could even hop down and help the ladies off our wagon the front door of the large plantation swung open and out stepped a smiling woman, buxom and beautiful who could only be described as stunning...and in an instant I was certain, I was about to meet Elizabeth's mother...

 

[Initiate_me]

I nodded my understanding and assent to Rusty's explanation of the measures he might need to employ in order to legitimise Marabel's role and protected status. Although in truth I did not understand. But I pushed it away from my mind as we witnessed a white man chase a coloured woman from the cottage.

Seeing Williams so early was an unpleasant surprise. I had hoped that we might be well-settled before his mean face presented itself. But I took comfort in the fact that there had been no confrontation, he had not even regarded us, caught up as he was in his own sinful activities.

My Mother was out of the house and over to our wagon an instant after the horses came to a halt, clearly she had been observing our arrival from her bedroom window, which afforded her a comprehensive view of the garden and grounds, perfect for such a controlling woman. She had accosted Rusty before he could even help me down from the wagon, and I had to sit and watch as she greeted him in the most inappropriate manner.

"My dear, dear soldier!" She exclaimed, placing her hands on his shoulders and kissing him tenderly on the cheek, before drawing back from him, smiling and batting her eyelashes outrageously. "It is such an honour to have a hero such as yourself here at my humble home."

She was a tall woman, more than half a foot taller than me, but still had to look up to Rusty. Outfitted in her scarlet evening gown, she had clearly planned for the plunging neckline to revealed much of her significant breasts. Another physical difference between us. I hoped Rusty would resist looking- yes, she was a beautiful woman, I was aware of that. And glamorous. And flirtatious and warm, when it suited her.

"I am Mrs Holme, but I would consider it a very kind favour if you would call me Catherine." She still had not looked at me, still her attention was consumed by the sight of my lover.

 

[Homerun2611]

I was still a bit off kilter from the interaction with Williams, and from how quickly Catherine was out and upon us, I was quite certain she was aware of the outrageous behavior as well. Yet she made no move to call him for reprimand and while it may have been a move to avoid a scene in front of the new guest, I was guessing that Elizabeth's mother took little humbridge with the sexual use of the slaves.

Before I could turn around to help Elizabeth and Marabel, I heard her Southern charm, "My dear, dear soldier!" and then felt her tender hands on my strong strong shoulders and her warm and lingering kiss on my cheek. Her face was carefully adorned in fine make-up with plenty of flattering rouge, and she smelled of lilac. She was stunning in a scarlett dress, complete with cleavage no red blooded man could ignore. I loved Elizabeth, but I had to admit, I had forgotten just how attractive a woman could be when dressed in her finest. "It is my pleasure, I must say I had forgotten just how charming a southern woman could be.

Elizabeth's mother was clearly dressed to grab attention, and I did not dare anger her by making her think her efforts went unnoticed or unappreciated. I did worry about Elizabeth's reaction, but I had warned her, and I knew it was best for both of us, if I was held in the sexy matriarch's good graces. I did try to soften the blow. "Well now I certainly understand where your daughter's beauty was manifested." I returned her gesture by taking her gloved hand in mind and bowing to give it a single, gentle kiss.

Elizabeth's mother was charming, there was no doubt, "It is such an honour to have a hero such as yourself here at my humble home." I was still holding her hand. "My dear Lady, the honor is all mine, but your home is far from humble, it is almost as beautiful as its owner." She gave him a slight giggle and hid her face with her fan, although I was quite certain that this woman did not blush easily, unless it served her very purpose.

I knew I needed to quickly turn my attention to assisting the ladies, but Elizabeth's mother was not yet ready to release my attention. "I am Mrs Holme, but I would consider it a very kind favour if you would call me Catherine." With that she gave a slight curtsy and leaned forward to ensure I had a perfect view down her bountiful and beautiful cleavage. I would like to say I did not notice or look, but when wonders of the world first come into view, it is the rare person indeed that does not take notice. Slowly I raised my eyes from her full breasts and found her eyes with an arched and appreciative brow as if asking, 'Thank you for your appreciation!' but it went unsaid.

"Well Catherine..." I smiled and winked at her, "I am Colonel Rutherford Calhoun, of the Northern Virginia Army of General Lee, but I hope that you will call me Rusty?" Again she bowed, as if doing an encore for her prior performance. "Rusty, yes, I like that very much, welcome to our home Rusty and thank you for returning my daughter to us." With that I motioned over my shoulder, "Well then let me help your daughter down, and I also have my personal servant Marabel, I hope that we can set her up with quarters proximate to my own."

I sensed a touch of disappointment in Catherine at the announcement of Marabel, but she was used to Southern gentlemen having a belly warmer, and saw the woman as only a slight inconvenience. I sensed a bit of fire in Elizabeth's eyes, probably not particularly pleased with her mother's and my interaction. I picked her up and swung her to the ground allowing the women to embrace. Marabel already had her hand extended and I helped her down as well. Marable curtsied before Catherine and stayed there bowing her head, "Mrs. Holme, it is my pleasure to meet you, thank you for talking us in."

Catherine only nodded, not speaking directly to Marabel, but to Elizabeth and I. "Please come in and let's get you settled. Supper will be served in a little over and hour, I was hoping that you TWO could join me for some lemonade, and for the Colonel I have a bottle of our finest bourbon!" With that she took me by the arm, intertwining hers with mine, and lead us into the house, Elizabeth and Marabel trailing behind us.

 

[Initiate_me]

I could only sit and watch my mother's performance with Rusty. She flirted with him in the most prolonged and outrageous fashion, to a degree that even shocked me - this never would have been possible with my father at the house. She toyed with her hair - dark like mine, but curly in contrast to the natural straightness of mine, and curtseyed - once, twice, and even from a distance I was sure that she was batting her eyelashes at my soldier. I wondered if he approved of the more significant curves of her body, and her sophisticated, made-up appearance.

Rusty had been quick to broach the subject of Marabel, and stake a claim for her status in the house. Although my mother did not speak to Marabel, I knew that she accepted the implicit request, and that the manufactured position of our secret friend would filter through to the staff quickly. Particularly when the command was issued to ready a room for her beside that of Rusty's. When he lifted me to the ground I didn't look at him, feeling for a moment a stabbing of petulant youthful jealousy. But I counselled myself restraint. This whole greeting show was necessary - for us, for Marabel, for my mother, and for the staff. Everyone had a role to play and each had played it smoothly so far.

But it stung me when she took his arm and led him into the house without an embrace, or even a kind word, for me. My own mother. I could feel tears rising and threatening to overwhelm my eyes, but Marabel took my hand in hers and squeezed it gently, and I felt her support, her affection, and her quiet strength. I calmed myself and we followed. I should not have been surprised- my mother had not approved of my decision to help as a nurse at the makeshift Baton Rouge hospital, despite her pretence at maternal pride. She had wished for me to stay, and remain subservient to her. To continue to follow all of her instructions and guidance, and eventually form a sensible and profitable alliance with some wealthy local man. I wondered if she had any love left for me. I still craved it.

When we entered the house, there ready in the large entrance hallway were three people beautiful to me in their comforting familiarity. Mrs Winters, Mr Cornice, and the girl Mary. Their smiles beamed out their love for me and I laughed in delight as I embraced them - it had felt like an age since I had seen them last, although it was but a few months. They talked excitedly about how mature I now looked, although I knew this was pure silliness on their part, and of their pleasure in seeing me again. Martha clung to me for a full minute, and then laughed at my damaged, travel-worn dress.

Mrs Winters, after hugging me for a second time, made a hasty bow and greeting to Rusty, before excusing herself to continue the preparation of our supper - casting a suspicious look at Marabel as she departed. Martha chatted excitedly about her new dolls and progress with French grammar, which she longed to show me, before Mr Cornice kindly but firmly reminded her of the need to ready a bath for me, and she reluctantly acquiesced. She had only glanced briefly, a couple of times, over at my new friends, but I had seen the concern in her eyes - she was not accustomed to strangers and I knew their appearance was striking - a tall, handsome soldier who had clearly seen some battles recently, and a beautiful dark woman who carried herself with a strange assuredness, as if she had no fear of white folk.

"Stanton was extremely sorry not to be here to greet you," Mr Cornice said fixing me with that grandfatherly gaze of his. "Mr Locke sent for him, I understand one of their horses had run wild, and their groom lacks competence in such matters." The Lockes owned land nearby, our neighbours, I supposed, through I did not know them well.

"It is just like him to generously give his aid," I said, disappointed but knowing that we would meet him soon. "Mr Cornice, this is Colonel Rutherford Calhoun, of the Northern Virginia Army."

They shook hands firmly, and I could tell that Mr Cornice approved of Rusty's strong, masculine demeanour. He always had strong ideas about what a man should be, and what a woman should be - ideas on which we had occasionally sparred.

"The convalescing soldier of Elizabeth's letter. I am pleased to make your acquaintance, and I am at your service. If you need anything of us, it will be a privilege for me to assist you."

I introduced Marabel as Rusty's personal servant, and Mr Cornice did an admirable job in keeping his eyebrow from raising itself or any comment from escaping his lips - I knew he would not approve. But he would accept his instructions. He was order by my mother to prepare adjacent rooms for Rusty and Marabel, and he nodded, clearly working hard to show no reaction. Bowing, and then smiling again to me, he made his exit up the grand spiral staircase, to see to his task.

I wondered if mother would mention Williams, but she did not. This was not unusual - it seemed she often preferred to behave as if he, and the dirty work he undertook, did not exist. She turned to me and for a moment I thought she might touch me, but she did not.

"Elizabeth - travelling has clearly taken its toll on you. You look tired and in need of a change of clothes, so why don't you see if Mary has your bath ready?" This was framed as a suggestion, but it was clearly an instruction, and I found myself obeying. But walking slowly to the staircase, in order to hear her words to Rusty.

"And Colonel... Rusty. Your room is prepared, if you would like to rest a moment? I am sure Mary could bring you some warm water - I only apologise that we do not have the staff to ready two baths in addition to the additional room. Or... if you prefer, I could show you the gardens? It would be my pleasure. And your... servant, can wait here. She may sit down upon that bench if she wishes."

 

[Homerun2611]

There was little doubt that Elizabeth's mother, Catherine was a flirt, no more than that, a seductress, and to give her her due, a most appealing seductress at that. For surely, were my feelings for Elizabeth any less ardent, I would have been easy prey and I had very little doubt that a most compelling adventure awaited any man lucky enough to be invited into Catherine's bed! I am a man after all, and biology has its own mind, and the soft touch, the breathy whispers and the quite obvious, but no less enjoyable display of such well formed and spectacular cleavage, had a quite predictable reaction to my large cock. A point that I do believe caught and was enjoyed by Catherine's gaze.

I was pleased with the easy acknowledgement and, whlle perhaps reluctant, acceptance of Marabel as my personal servant. My guess was the Catherine was used to the slaves being used as needed, sexually or otherwise, and it did not dissuade her at all in terms of going after her own desires.

It felt good to hold Elizabeth, even if it was only for a second. She did not look at me, and I wasn't sure if she was a bit angry, which was reasonable, or if she too was trying to put on an act until we were ready to expose the depth of our relationship. What did shock me was her mother's reaction, I expected her to warmly embrace her daughter, but that did not happen. I felt I knew Elizabeth, and I was sure that would hurt her, and that fact saddened me. Was her mother angry for some reason or did she now see her daughter as a threat, like a queen getting older and seeing the fair young princess?


Catherine's focus and attention were clearly on me, and I must admit I felt a bit guilty, not just for her actions but also for how good the touch of the extremely attractive woman felt. I was touched by the reaction of the staff to Elizabeth, she was clearly loved, and had been missed. My guess is she had long been the softness and soul of the house, after all, she was my angel, and I was sure they were glad to have her smile, her beauty and her soft and loving touch back amongst them. I knew I had to be careful to earn their trust, as Mr. Cornice, in particular looked on the young beauty with clear paternal affection. I shook his hand following Elizabeth's introduction, and felt his strength, but also moral strength. It never ceased to amaze me how much of a man's character could be deciphered through a handshake.

His greeting was gracious and genuine, "It is my honor Sir, Elizabeth has painted you in the most favorable light and I see why, I hope I can actually be of service to you, helping you with the various activities in assisting Catherine and Elizabeth. Yes, I have been recovering, but thanks to Elizabeth I am getting stronger. She has been my savior and my angel." I saw the smile on his face, a the slight scowl of Catherine's. I was disappointed I would not meet Stanton, but knew that would come soon enough. I was a bit of a 'horsewhisperer' myself and I hoped to spend some time in the stables and running the horses. I had missed riding since my wound and I was ready, quite literally, to hop back on the horse! I could tell he was less thrilled about my situation with Marabel, but this was the South and it was hardly a surprise.

Catherine ordered our rooms readied and somewhat condescendingly and critically dismissed Elizabeth up to her room to bathe. While true that it had been a hard ride, Elizabeth did not look worn, she was naturally beautiful, not really needing make-up at all to be breathtaking. As Elizabeth started to walk dejectedly away, I felt her mother's soft hand again on my chest, her deep, beautiful eyes looking, full of fire, into mine. "And Colonel... Rusty. Your room is prepared, if you would like to rest a moment? I am sure Mary could bring you some warm water - I only apologise that we do not have the staff to ready two baths in addition to the additional room. Or... if you prefer, I could show you the gardens? It would be my pleasure. And your... servant, can wait here. She may sit down upon that bench if she wishes."

I wanted to think, and correct some wrong. I turned back and saw Elizabeth looking at me. "Elizabeth, would you come back here?" I waited for her to return and held out my hand to hers. "Catherine, before she leaves, I want to thank you for allowing this angel to be the one who was there to help me. I might well have perished had it not been for your daughter's tender care. She has been an angel to me and many others, you should be proud!" I waited for her mother to acknowledge her daughter, "I know she has missed her mother's love." I stayed silent until the two women embraced, even though it, at least from her mother, was a bit chillier than I would have hoped.

"As for the gardens, might I suggest we all clean up, I am not suitable to accompany a beautiful woman in close proximity. I am thinking we might enjoy them at sunset, with a drink in our hand." I was intentionally vague on exactly whom 'we' might refer to. However it was clear that Catherine liked the idea of a more romantic setting. "Well the soldier is as charming as he his handsome, yes, sunset will be ideal, our sunsets here are quite breathtaking, I look forward to sharing it!"

I leaned in and kissed Catherine's cheek, and felt as her hand pawed my chest playfully. "Thank you again...uh....Catherine, it is good to be here and I cannot thank you enough for your gracious hospitality...." I let go and signaled to Marabel as we followed Elizabeth. "I will need to suffice with a sponge bath...Marabel will assist me....we will be down shortly to enjoy that bourbon you mentioned!"

 

[Initiate_me]

My mother's arms did not hold me with the affectionate that they once had. But it relaxed me, and I felt gratitude to Rusty for bringing us together, even in his somewhat clumsy manner, which showed that he was not altogether comfortable with the social prohibitions of this environment. I was happy that he wasn't, I did not need more restrictions and secret rules.

Dawdling up the stairs, I listened to the conversation, and heard Rusty artfully evade my mother's flirtatious invitation. Perhaps he did have a head for these social games, when such an approach was truly required. Marabel tried to talk to me but I immediately silenced her with a warning look - it would not do for us to appear friendly in front of prying eyes. We came out to the main hallway, wide and dimly-lit, walls adorned with portraits of dead relatives to whom I felt not a crumb of connection. Mr Cornice appeared from out of one door, with an armful of old tools.

"This is to be the room for the Colonel's... servant," he said, eyes on me only. "But it is not yet prepared."

Marabel chimed up with a joviality that seemed to surprise my old friend. "I'm to help the Colonel clean himself all nice and good in his room, with a sponge."

Poor Mr Cornice appeared momentarily torn between the desire to prevent immoral interactions and the need to serve and obey. The latter won, and he gave a curt nod, and indicated towards the appropriate door. Marabel smiled at both of us and went into the room.

"She is... an interesting specimen," Mr Cornice said, keen eyes on mine, and I knew he hoped the glean from me further details of her history and status. I kept my response brief, stating that she had been with Rusty for some time, and was efficient and dutiful. It hurt me to lie to this elderly gentleman, whom I loved like an uncle, but I reminded myself that I was protecting Marabel. And protecting all of us.

After a few more words, I excused myself to my room, and found Mary there, pouring another jug of heated water into bath. I disrobed myself, feeling no embarrassment as I did so, as she was just a girl and had no knowledge of the world or of impure things. I slowly sat down in the bath, allowing the warm water to take me, and the accumulated fatigue and stress began its steady and welcome melting away.

Mary drew up a stool and sat with elbows on knees and chin on palms, and asked me question after question about the hospital, the war, my journey back, and the mysterious soldier. Her youthful eyes were full of wonder and genuine, innocent interest, and so I indulged her as far as was possible without revealing any sensitive details. She hung onto every word. I asked after her schooling, as between them the staff all did their part to ensure that the girl would have an education, and a bright future - and even mother played her part with that, giving lessons on literature and French. All helped and supported this sweet, industrious girl - with the notable exception of Williams, who's dislike of children was well known. I listened to her rambling, excitable answers as best I could, but part of my mind longer to know what was happening at that moment a few doors away...

 

[Homerun2611]

I was tired from the road, and honestly slightly overwhelmed by the situation, even though I would never admit it to Elizabeth. Catherine Holme was a woman to be reckoned with, and only due to the fact that I had fallen in love with her daughter, was I not visiting her garden that very minute, licking my lips at the idea of enjoying her flower!

I was a bit sad that Catherine did not show more warmth for Elizabeth, and felt a bit guilty that my very presence might have exacerbated the reaction from Catherine who seemed like a most competitive woman, even to her beautiful daughter, perhaps even particularly. Both Marabel and I grabbed a bath towel, a hand towel and a washcloth, in addition I heard Marabel ask for a sponge and smiled but made sure neither Mr. Cornice, nor Elizabeth saw my response.

Once in my room, I saw that there was a straight edge, and powder to mix up some shaving cream. It had been since a long time since I had a good shave, it made me smile. Marabel saw my smile and her eyes tracked from mine to the source of my admiration. "Mr. Rusty, I give a mighty good shave if you would like. My massuh had me learn and I'z wuz the only one he let near me with a blade. Would you like me to...?" Words could not express how much I would like, I simply nodded affirmation.

A moment later a strong young male slave brought two large pails of near boiling water to my room. "Mizzuz Catherine asked me to fetch you dis?" I gave the man a silver nickel coin in thanks and as much as he appreciated that, he could not take his eyes off of Marabel. She must have noticed as I felt her arm intertwine with mine, as she looked at the slave. "The massuh done reward you, now shoo!" He spun and left and I looked into her eyes. "Duh Massuh..." I laughed, "Mr. Rusty, as long as we iz here, you duh Massuh and we'z better makez sure everyone thinks so!"

I understood what she was saying and she was right, but I also had a feeling she was gonna have some fun with it, and undoubtedly so was I. "Strip dat shirt off Mr. Rusty, and I will work up duh soap....mightz I suggest, you getz your beard nice and wet, dat will make duh areas I shave comes off easier...we will keepz your handsome mustache and your trimmed goatee..."

She had me sit down with my beard nice and wet with the steamy water. She took a small cup and filled it to rinse the blade, and handed it to me. But then, I watched as she removed her dress, and wearing only a light underslip, she moved in front of me, and slipped her one leg over my lap straddling me, her bare legs pressed against my trousers, the brush filled with cream in one hand, the straight edge blade in the other.

This close I was able to see just how beautiful her dark brown eyes were, and as she gently applied the lather, I realized, as I sat there, bare chested, how sensual this position was, and it was only beginning....

 

[Initiate_me]

Mary chattered on happily, oblivious my waning attention as my thoughts shifted to Marabel, and the extent to which I might trust her. Certainly I trusted her as being on our side, and to keep secrets, and many other things... but did I trust her to observe and follow the moral laws of fidelity, and not tempt my handsome lover? I was not at all sure that I did. Married we were not, but Rusty and I were lovers, and I knew that Marabel was aware... but I understood little of her upbringing, her culture, and her values. My pulse quickened as I imagined how she might take her false role at the house to heart, and overreach the boundaries in those adjacent rooms down the hallway. I wished that my door were closer, but my room was a good number of steps away from theirs, and I knew that these walls were all thick, and had a good deal of resistance to sound.

To distract myself, I asked Mary, as she added newly heated water to my bath, of any recent developments at the plantation.

"Your mother has been awfully tense at times - I think that she misses your father greatly, and worries about him. Although she hasn't said such a thing aloud. She enjoys visiting the Lockes, and having them over to here, I think it takes her mind off things."

"And Stanton is over there now, I was told?" I say, wishing I could see our groom and be reassured by his soft deep voice and kind eyes.

"Yes, helping with a horse. I'm sure he'll be so pleased to see you again. He was concerned for you - in fact all of us were, although we tried to put a brave face on it. Will you tell me more stories about the war? And all about the Colonel?"

"Tomorrow," I promised, as I felt I had told her most of the decent things, and would need time to think of something more I could say without straying into the indecent. And then, although I feared to know, I asked if Williams had continued his unchristian treatment of the workers.

"Oh yes," she said, her voice now quiet, and fearful. "Days or weeks can pass without nothing, but then there will be an incident, and we will hear of him using violence, and those dreadful day labourers that he hires in when we require the extra help, they follow his lead. And even.... even of having his way with some of the women, although I hope that isn't true. Do you think such a thing could be true?"

I thought it most likely was, as I had seen signs of this before I had left home, and had expected that the absence of my moral pressure would embolden him to intensify his beastly acts. But Mary was far too young to know of such things, and so I shook my head. But my mind was very much upon this, and grasping for ways in which we could somehow control Williams, or even remove him from the plantation. We would have to take great care - mother trusted him, and approved of his iron fist, and cared not to hear of any dark deeds. Without my father, she would be unlikely to even consider searching for a replacement.

My thoughts turned again, irresistibly, to the soldier and the servant.

 

[Homerun2611]

I felt the clean, hot edge of the blade on my neck as Marabel shaved away the five day stubble surrounding my normal beard. With the hair a bit long it pulled a bit, but felt good to get back in semi presentable condition.

But as she pulled the blade covered in the soapy lather and shaven whiskers, the soap slit off and fell harmlessly on my chest, just above the waist of my pants. "Ooops,..." She giggled and then looked up at me. "Youz should remove your trousers..." She saw me look up, unsure how to respond to this request. "Colonel in a moment, I willz help bathe you...and we should avoid staining your pants, butz I willz wash dem."

She made a good point so after she slid off, I stood up, and undid the clasp on my trousers and with it being summer, was only in a slight lower cotton undergarment, which she watched as I removed as well. Now naked, I sat back down. I must say I felt a bit uncomfortable, but Marable was professional and other than giving me a long look and a complementary smile at my virile manhood, she picked back up her razor and rinsing cup. She was clearly not unaccustomed to seeing a man naked, and servicing him in that condition.

However this time when she again straddled my legs, it was her bar skin I felt, and as she moved, I felt the slippery, velvety pussy. A bit startled I looked into her eyes, "Marabel are you..." I was not quite sure how to ask this delicate question. She only smiled, and took my hand, her eyes never left mine, as she took my wrist and slid my hand underneath her thin gown. She slid up her firm thigh and pressed it against her mound, pressing my fingers into the softness of her womanhood. "Am I wet Colonel, it certainly seems so...you have a very nice cock, and it has been a long time since I has enjoyed a man...or he has enjoyed me..."

I held it there a second, I even gently massaged as she arched her back and rolled her head back. "Marabel, I am not sure what to say...but we must focus on the shave and getting cleaned up for now....okay?"

 

[Initiate_me]

Although at the time I was unaware, the truth was that the more erotic events of my imagination were not far from the reality taking place at that moment. While I was being bathed - in warm water by Mary, and in jealous speculation by myself, Marabel was amusing herself with the man I thought of as my own....


"Am I wet Colonel, it certainly seems so...you have a very nice cock, and it has been a long time since I has enjoyed a man...or he has enjoyed me...," Marabel teased in low, sultry tones as her eyes feasted on the strong form of her supposed master.

"Marabel, I am not sure what to say...but we must focus on the shave and getting cleaned up for now....okay?" Rusty said, but his hand betrayed him with involuntary movement, his fingers slowly rubbing against the wetness of her warm pussy.

"No, no!" She said petulantly, leaning back to him, grinding herself against his fingers, kissing his neck. Then she whispered in his ear "I'm not so easily shocked and hurt like what Miss Elizabeth is sir... you can fuck me hard and take your pleasure from me real good. I isn't going to tell no one."

Springing lightly off him, she stepped back, beckoning with finger outstretched, the splashed water that had soaked through the front of her thin white underslip showing clearly her hard nipples. She waited for Rusty to fully take in her supple body, firm from a life of work, before slowly turning around, and bending over, resting her elbows on the low water basin with its mirror mounted atop. She winked at her reflection, and that of Rusty, visible behind, his expression guarded, the temptation evident on his face. Reaching back, she lifted her garment a little, up enough to show some of her firm bare ass.

"Please sir... please fuck me like the obedient servant girl they is all thinking I am..."

 

[Homerun2611]

The Colonel was stunned at this recent and most surprising development. For the first time in years, and perhaps the greatest of all, I had found love in the arms, heart and between the legs of young Elizabeth.

Yet the facts were, even without this most appealing offer, in order to ensure Marabel's safety, not only from other slaves, but most importantly the evil overseer Williams, all parties must believe Marabel was more than his personal servant, they must think she was chosen to warm his bed! He knew that it would not be taken at face value, when his sheets were cleaned, they must show the passions shared of a man and a woman!

While that was the reality, I knew this was not the moment, they must still be discreet fi they were to engage at all, however Marabel no doubt had felt much greater urgency. "I'm not so easily shocked and hurt like what Miss Elizabeth is sir... you can fuck me hard and take your pleasure from me real good. I isn't going to tell no one." She grinded into my leg and I felt her desire as mine grew as well.

"Marabel, I love Elizabeth, this will never be about a choice, my choice will always be her...but I will not deny that you are a beautiful woman, and my body, burns with certain desires I cannot control. I also know that if I completely deny those desires I will put you in peril that neither Elizabeth nor I could allow to happen."

I was speaking of later but Marabel was not! Springing lightly off him, she stepped back, beckoning with finger outstretched, the splashed water that had soaked through the front of her thin white underslip showing clearly her hard nipples. She waited for Rusty to fully take in her supple body, firm from a life of work, before slowly turning around, and bending over, resting her elbows on the low water basin with its mirror mounted atop. She winked at her reflection, and that of myself, visible behind, my expression guarded, the temptation evident on my face. Reaching back, she lifted her garment a little, up enough to show some of her firm bare ass.

"Please sir... please fuck me like the obedient servant girl they is all thinking I am..."

I did not know what to say, for a moment my eyes were transfixed on the feminine charms so willingly offered. "Fuck you...." I took a deep breath, "However, wherever I want...this is your desire?" The winds of desire were blowing strong, and my mast suddenly stood strong and high ready to embrace the challenge before me.

She turned and slowly peeled her garment over her head, standing before me, a most succulent treat of light chocolate! She came back before me, and again straddled my legs, our naked bodies betraying us, unable to hide our needs. I felt her hand grip my sword, sliding it slowly up and down the full blade, using her fingers at my tip to tease and tantalize the sensitive underside of my tip. "No...Marabel....not now....OH that feels so good...but...AHHH...MMMMM...God!"

She smiled, "You cannot deny it soldier, I'z have skillz...I willz make you feel such things, wicked, but wonderful thingz!" She wuz a lady of talent! "I put my hand on her hand. "Yes, but not now...later I promise...and I also have skills...but for now...please finish my shave, cleanse me...and then I must go down and meet with Mrs. Catherine...."

I was so tempted in that moment, the skill of her hand, the sweetness of her lips, the wet and tenderness of her folds, the invitation to her ass...all were so very, very tempting. It might be a rationalization, but I would indulge, just not now....my eyes were pleading for her to stop and return to her duties. "....Please Marabel...not now....tonight!"

 

[Initiate_me]

Marabel obeyed, shrugging her shoulders and slowly pulling her slip back on. She quietly finished her task, shaving Rusty's face close and clean, but leaving his moustache and goatee. She kept her hands to herself, and upon completion of the job she excused herself with the sweetest of smiles, and retreated to the room which had now been readied for her.

Unaware of any of this, I was preparing myself for the meal, with Mary's help. The indigo dress that she helped me into was like an old friend to me, it had been my favourite, and I had missed wearing it. My jewellery collection now seemed pretentious, and gauche, but Mary was keen for me to wear my thin silver necklace and I obliged her. She brushed down my hair lovingly, chattering about the clothes she would wear when she was a woman. I scarcely felt myself to be one.

I committed the error of arriving early to the table, which was set and lit with candles, and found myself subject to a calm but piercing interrogation from my Mother as we waited for Rusty to descend to the dining room. She wished to know all the details of the hospital, of the doctors there, the morale of the men, our journey back, and, most of all, the life history of the colonel. There was little I desired to tell her of that, and so I feigned ignorance. I attempted to turn the conversation towards the subject of my Father, but she was not to be drawn on that, and deflected with small talk about the state of our local area and neighbours. Finally, Rusty arrived though the doors.

 

[Homerun2611]

I wasn't sure if I had offended Marabel, it was not my intent, just the practicality of the situation. She slipped her slip back on, and when she finished my shave, she cleaned my body with tender care. As her sponge lathered my cock and then my balls, her touch was gentle and I was clearly aroused. "Are youz sure Colonel?" I looked at her, "No, I am not...but tonight....it is important that I lay claim to you from others here...you must be seen, yet look to be moving discreet...and spend the night in my bed!" She gave me a broad smile, "As you command...." and she again looked up in a teasing smile, "...Massuh!"

I put on the best pair of trousers I had with me, a shirt and a jacket, but in truth, I was sure I looked a bit worn. By the time I got down to dinner Elizabeth and Catherine were already there, and Catherine made certain I took the head of the table opposite Mrs. Catherine, the place as the man of the household.

By the look in Elizabeth's eyes, I sensed that the conversation was going not at all satisfactorily. These were difficult times, virtually no word coming from the battlefields was encouraging, and the way of this plantation, of all the plantations of the south were in great jeopardy.

I tried to turn the subject to something that might reduce the ardor of Elizabeth's mother, who had changed herself into an evening gown with an even more plunging and revealing neckline. As we ate our salad, Catherine was quite adept at lowering her body at the perfect angle to give me the most inviting view possible. She would inevitably hold the position long enough to make sure she captured my gaze, only to then raise her gaze to capture mine in mid indescretion.

I shook my head, trying to step away from this cat and mouse game. "Catherine, have you heard recently from your husband, Elizabeth's father, it is my understanding he is an officer? I hope he is faring well, I am sure you miss him terribly?"

 

[Initiate_me]

"Indeed I do. We had never spent more than a few days apart since our marriage, and now he is God knows where, doing God knows what." my Mother replied, a forlorn look coming over her beautiful face. "Please excuse my language," she added, in the manner of one who has already assumed she will be excused, who has been excused and indulged all of her life and who sees no reason for that to change.

"But have you heard from him, since the last letter which you summarised for me several weeks ago?" I asked, eager to know of my Father. Mr Cornice took our plates, swiftly and smoothly, quietly.

"I have not," she said, examining her nails. "But I know that this need not be cause for concern, as there is much disruption to the letter services to our soldiers - is that not the case, Rusty?"

I hated the level of familiarity with which she used this name for him. She wished to lay her hands on that which was mine. While Rusty assented his agreement, and described the unreliable nature of mail to the army, I stood and exited the dining room. I saw that Rusty went to rise, but my Mother make a careless gesture to indicate that my sudden move was nothing unusual, and she urged him to continue his anecdote. I headed to the kitchen, and surprised Mr Cornice, who was helping Mrs Winters plate the fowl, potatoes and green beans which would be our main course.

"Oh, Elizabeth! Can I help you?"

"No," I said, with a sigh. "I just felt the need to escape my Mother for a moment."

He nodded and smiled, he could understand that urge. I took two of the plates, despite his protests that no assistance was necessary, and as we left the kitchen I whispered my question to him - was it true that we had received no letters from my Father in recent weeks? Or was something being hidden from me?

"It is true, it is. No letters from him, sadly. But you shouldn't worry. Patience my girl, patience." He winked at me, that kind wink that had encouraged and comforted me as a child, and still did. "Now come along, and endeavour to relax yourself, you should enjoy your first evening restored to us."

I promised that I would try. We entered the dining room and I laid Rusty and my Mother's plates before them with elaborate mock curtseys, which made my mother smile, and she called me a silly hen. Mr Cornice set my meal down and left us, and I took my place, determined to behave properly. My Mother took a long sip of wine, and smiled at Rusty - rather too warmly, I felt.

"Would you be as kind as to give your impressions on the current state of our struggle? I do worry sometimes, with the rumours which fly around these parts." She stabbed meat with her fork.

 

[Homerun2611]

At first as I sat down, Catherine and Elizabeth were discussing her father, partially at my suggestion. I thought Catherine must truly miss her husband, but it was Elizabeth who clearly hungered for an update on her dear father, she was clearly a Daddy's girl! I could not help but smile at the thought as my more dominant side enjoyed that in my new lover. I assured them that delays in communication were not only nothing to worry about, but should be the expectation. It was nearly impossible to get word out of any other kind than an official, military related manner.

Elizabeth seemed upset, as she got up to go momentarily into the kitchen and it was then that I questioned the seriousness of Catherine's concern for her husband. She looked over her shoulder to make sure Elizabeth was out of earshot. "Rusty, pardon my daughter. She does not understand the needs of war, anymore than she does the needs of a man and a woman!" She looked up, and licked her lips and ran her finger tantalizingly down the hollow of her neck and down her chest. "It is nice to have a real man here, I must say...I feel quite abandoned...and I have almost forgotten what it feels like to be a woman. I feel for you...our soldiers...for the longings you too must have...I just want you to know I understand and I will not judge, as I hope you will not either."

The message was clear, but as Elizabeth came back in she changed the subject. However, the message she had wanted to deliver had been, and as much as I hated it...the delivery had been most engaging...she was clearly a woman with needs, needs she expected to be satisfied!

Our meals served we sat back down and I was asked for an update on the war? "First, may I say how delicious this is, I can't remember the last time I ate so well or was offered such generous hospitality. You spoil me, but I will not refuse!" I laughed. As I said it I had been referring to the food, but Catherine was thinking back to her statement. And as I finished she gave me a little wink and a disingenuous giggle.

"As to the war, I am afraid it has not gone as planned or desired. I don't know how much you really want to know, but I am afraid the outlook for the Confederacy looks bleak. Advantages we enjoyed early have evaporated, and we know find ourselves greatly under resourced. I believe we all must acknowledge our way of life is about to change, perhaps it is the best, but we must realize slavery will soon end, and then we must be planning for how we manage and employ the labor necessary to service this agricultural economy."

I looked around, Catherine did not seem surprised, perhaps she knew more than I thought. We finished the rest of dinner, and then Catherine had the brandy brought out and the humidor filled with fine cigars. My mouth did water, I had forgotten how much I missed such niceties. As we stood up she looked at me, "Rusty, are you ready for your tour of my Garden?" I had to think the meaning was what I expected, and I looked at Elizabeth trying to understand what she wanted me to do?

 

[Initiate_me]

Silence was my choice as they conversed. The better to avoid the spilling of any secrets, as I was untested in the arts of deception, and doubted my abilities. Rusty was certainly doing a good job of charming my Mother, and I hoped he wasn't enjoying himself as much as he appeared to be. When he spoke of the ending of slavery I stayed impassive, but flinched internally. I had never liked the term, instead preferring to think of the dark skinned residents of the plantation as normal workers. Which they of course were not. A fact I would soon be forced to confront. My Mother simply raised an eyebrow - she cared little about where my Father's money came from, so long as it found its way safely through to her purse in good time.

"Rusty, are you ready for your tour of my Garden?" she asked as we rose from the table. Rusty looked to me, as if for direction. Or was it permission that he sought?

The sensible option would have been to feign nonchalance, and allow them to stroll unaccompanied - but my jealousy at Marabel's presence by his chamber still prickled me, and I could not let go of him again so quickly. I wished to be with him, I wished to have his focus and his touch. To share his attentions was bad enough, to forgo them completely would have been torment. And so I said, brightly;

"I shall come too, I have missed the garden, and would be glad for the chance to hear of any changes to its composition."

My Mother scowled at me. "There have been no changes."

"Well, I should like it all the same," I shot back. She couldn't argue further in front of the guest she so wanted to impress, and so nodded, and said that it would be delightful to all walk together. Then she approached Rusty, and linked her arm in his.

"Shall we?" She gestured towards the door, and off they went, with me trailing behind like some unwanted dog.

The evening was quiet and cool, the sun not quite ready to descend to its bed of darkness. She led us into the rose garden which surrounded the house, with its maze-like paths full of quiet spots for quiet deeds. I stayed close to them, and listened for their conversation.

 

[Homerun2611]

It was interesting to watch both Elizabeth's and Catherine's reaction to my candid appraisal of the war. It was no surprise to Elizabeth, but nevertheless she seemed to be truly moved, stealing glances the loyal servants of the house, people I could tell she never thought of as property. Catherine alternatively seemed to brush it off, as if I had simply raised an inconvenient truth that should most properly be swept under the rug like an unwanted dust ball.

I was invited to Catherine's garden, and the manner of the invited suggested both literally and figuratively. I could not help but wonder if the woman had really been bereft in attention or she simply enjoyed many gardeners admiring her flower and tending to her petals? I assumed the latter, but was not judging.

It was slightly awkward as Catherine tried to convince Elizabeth that she would not enjoy joining them on her tour. I tried to wait for Elizabeth to grab my other arm, but Catherine had slipped her arm in mind, her hand giving mine a warm and inviting squeeze, and then whisking me away, as Elizabeth followed.

The evening was quite perfect, and the setting perfectly set for romance. I had to admit, that all the wonderful nooks and crannies gave perfect shelter to a couple or even a small group to indulge in the most wicked of carnal activities without being readily seen. The thick bushes even gave some sound proofing if the delight became too strong to hold back one's exuberance!

We finally paused, looking at a beautiful pink rose bush in the richest of bloom. I held out my free arm to Elizabeth and encouraged her to join me on my other side, "Ladies these flowers are breathtaking, however, I believe the loveliest two roses in the entire South may just be on my arms right now!"

Catherine giggled and fanned herself, "My goodness Colonel....Elizabeth you did not tell me that the soldier was such a charmer..." She fanned herself momentarily with her free hand. "Well I am sure your praise has made more than a few flowers shimmer in due at your attention...and those were most fortunate blossoms indeed!...Cum...I want to show you more!"

We continued on, there were beautiful roses of all types, scarlett, yellow, ping and white, even some unique and gorgeous multi colored varieties. We turned the corner and found ourselves in a very secluded spot, and suddenly Catherine leaned forward across my chest, once again giving me avail to her spectacular bosom, "Elizabeth would you be a dear and scamper to the house, please have the servants bring out some cocktails for us. We will wait right here for your return, "I will show Rusty here some of our more unique and indigenous petals..." I saw the look in her eyes as she made the last statement, and a man, any man would have been intrigued by what Catherine might have in mind....

 

[Initiate_me]

I glared at my Mother but she just looked away, at Rusty, and treated him to her most winning smile. Not yet ready to disobey her overtly, I assented, remarking that I would be extremely quick. She said not to hurry myself, but as soon as I was around the corner of the bushes I lifted my dress and ran to the house. There I found Mary, who was engaged in cleaning the dining room fireplace, and relayed the instruction to her, before turning on my heel and making my way back out to the garden.

But the spot where we had all been together was now empty. I had been gone not three minutes, yet in that time my Mother had managed to whisk my man off to some secret place, and, knowing that she would do everything in her considerable power to tempt and cajole him into amorous contact, I felt a great sense of hopelessness, and tears swelled at my eyes as I stood alone among the roses. The patron saint of quiet failure.

Trudging through the garden, my eyes saw the ground through the distorted lens of my tears. I came back upon the house, having resigned myself to spend the rest of the evening weeping on my bed, when I heard the sound of hooves approaching. Upon reaching the path leading up to the house, I saw a man riding a chestnut mare in my direction at a stately trot.

“Stanton!” I called out joyfully, and he raised his hat from his head and waved it with enthusiasm, before bringing the horse to a halt in front of me and hopping lightly down with a happy laugh. He grasped me in a strong and warm hug, and I returned it with feeling, smelling the animal and his own familiar sweat.

“It’s wonderful to see you!” He said as we broke apart, and he regarded me with affected wonder, as if I had undergone some sort of extreme transfiguration.

“And it’s heaven to see you again too! I was most put out when I found you were not home to greet my return, you sinful man.” I struck him playfully on the shoulder, and he put on a charade of pain for me.

“It was hurtful to me also, but our neighbours were in dire need, I couldn’t refuse them.”

“You are too decent for you own good, that’s your fault.”

“And you are too beautiful for yours,” he returned, smiling and taking my hand. With his other he led the horse, and we walked towards the house. “Will I now meet this mysterious invalid soldier of yours?”

At that I remembered my misery, which Stanton’s arrival had interrupted.

“Mother has taken him off somewhere.” I couldn’t keep the pain from my voice.

“Oh? Where? And for what purpose?”

“The gardens, but I do not know where within them. She knows all the secret places.”

“That she does,” he said, shaking his head. “And I can see that you are concerned.”

I nodded, and when I spoke my voice cracked. “I don’t want her to get her claws into him.”

“I understand. Well, why don’t I run off and try to find them? If anyone knows this place as well as she, it’s this man right here with you now.”

We halted and I squeezed his arm. “Would you?” He could see what it meant to me, and likely guessed the reasons, although he was too good to pass comment on that.

I learned later of what happened next. Stanton located them at the second spot he checked, a summerhouse at the bottom of the oriental garden which lay down a small slope from the rose garden. The summerhouse was newly built, since I had left home, and concealed behind a several large black petal bushes. He had prepared an excuse, that he needed to ask if my mother’s horse was to be ridden the next day as if so he would need to brush and ready it tonight before it slept. Approaching the summerhouse, he stomped his boots, and coughed loudly, keeping his eyes away from the windows and waiting a few seconds for safety before knocking on the thin wooden door.

 

[Homerun2611]

Catherine wasted no time, but as soon as Elizabeth had left our view, I felt her hand loop in mine and she was whisking me away. "Catherine, shouldn't we wait for..." She did not let me finish. "Oh goodness no, we will be back before she even returns." She lied. We quickly proceeded through a serpentine adventure through the twists and turns of the maze, but I was with an expert and she quickly navigated our path.

Suddenly we were at a back gate, leaving and, "Right through here, Colonel..." I was lead through a small opening of black leaved bushes and we were at the back door of a small house, really more a cottage. Out she pulled a skeleton key, opening the door. It was dark inside but you could see it was decorated in dark, lush colors of burgundies and golds, velvets and silks.

Mrs. Catherine had me by the hand and pulled me in front of her, and as I turned she closed pressing me back against a mahogany table. My eyes were trying to adjust to the dark interior as not a gas lamp was on, and the moonlight through the window was of very little help. She moved quickly and ably, my guess is I was not the first man given this tour. "I wanted to bring you hear, for there are certain conversations between a man and a woman, no daughter should hear, don't you agree Rusty?"

I had little doubt that Elizabeth would not be pleased with this conversation, nor its trajectory, but her warm breath, and the brushing of her lips as she whispered into my ear, the feel of her extended hand against the muscles of my upper chest, it was hard to refuse. "Catherine, I don't think..." Suddenly I felt the index finger of her other hand on my lips, "Sshhh...not thinking is good, I believe..."

Suddenly I felt her tongue on my earlobe, and then the soft bite of her teeth. "I must commend my daughter for finding such a male specimen to bring home to us. The war has taken its toll, I'm sure on you as well. I have no delusions on my husband's need so satisfy certain desires, and he holds none on mine. Rusty, I am no ordinary woman, I do not try to feign lack of interest regarding pleasures of the flesh."

She took my hand and guided it to her hip, and then brought it up to cup her bosom. "I have needs that have been far too long neglected...I have a feeling you have too. Of course you have your little belly warmer..." She used the rather crude descriptor of Marabel as my sexual muse. "...but that is no replacement for a woman both beautiful and experienced."

I found myself speechless, and as much as I didn't want to, as Catherine's hand went down, she found a cock as hard as steel, throbbing as my heart nearly beat from my chest. Suddenly I felt her full, lush lips press against mine, which naturally opened as our tongues danced with fierceness of intent. I broke the kiss, "We can't Catherine, Elizabeth will..." She laughed, and I felt her nails trickle down my chest as she seductively slid to her knees.

"When is the last time a woman pleasured you with her mouth Rusty? I hope not as long as it has been since I have enjoyed a man's seed in my belly! You have a very nice big cock, I believe the biggest I have enjoyed, I look forward to it!" Catherine was not a woman to engage in idle chatter. She knew what she wanted, and knew what a man would want to hear.

Quickly and deftly she undid my trousers, fishing my hard cock from my undergarments. Her mouth kissed my tip, and I felt her tongue flick across my slit, which no doubt was dripping with precum. "Mmmm, God I have missed this....we unfortunately don't have time to truly enjoy each other, that will come later...but let me suck your cock...give you a tease of what lays ahead, and the dessert I most desire!"

Her mouth had just latched onto my shaft as her tongue expertly teased my velvety tip. "Oh God....we...Oh God..." I moaned, and it was then we heard the sounds of boots and a cough. "Get up...get up!" I helped Catherine rise, as I tried to desperately wipe the lipstick from my face while refastening my trousers. Catherine fixed her hair and wiped away any smudged lips stick.

I called out, "Yes, we are in here...and fumbled to find the door as Catherine followed laughing. I opened the door. "Well thank you Catherine, this is a very interesting cabin, but I will be fine up at the main house." I was not sure if I was blushing, I knew I was hard and hoped it was not to noticeable through the baggy trousers.

I saw the dignified man and extended my hand, "Colonel Rusty Calhoun." I tried to look the man in the eyes, and saw the smile on his face. "I am Stanton, I take it Colonel you are getting acquainted with the sights of our plantation...but I believe Miss Elizabeth is looking for you, and I believe Mary has the cocktails waiting you requested Mrs. Catherine."

We walked with him, and then as we got back to Elizabeth and Mary, I could not look Elizabeth in the eye. I was trying and I loved her, but rejecting her mother was a bad idea and I knew it, I hoped she understood. Stanton looked at me, "Colonel, perhaps I might show you the study after we get done, and you and I might share a cigar and another brandy?" I nodded my head in embarrassed agreement, but Catherine caught my eye, and I saw the fire there as she bit her lip...

 

[Initiate_me]

Rusty wouldn’t meet my eye and my Mother looked flushed and energised, which caused me to fear the worst. But Stanton gave me a subtle shake of the head and smile, kind eyes telling me that there was nothing to fret about. He led Rusty off and we two women were left alone together, in a difficult silence. She asked if I felt well, as I “appeared a little strange”, and I was forced to affect nonchalance, needing to maintain the secret of my relationship with the handsome soldier. Satisfied, my Mother patted my arm and wishes me goodnight.

I withdrew also, up to my bedroom, to lie awake and wonder for how long I would need to stay strong. And when Rusty would again be able to make love to me. Memories of our intimacy along the journey here circled in my mind, and something urged me to put my hand down beneath the covers and touch myself, but I didn’t. I just lay there.

Meanwhile Stanton was lighting a cigar for Rusty in the drawing room, beside the fireplace.

“If my manner seems a little strange to you, I should explain that it’s normal for me to take these little liberties here. My employers encourage it – they enjoy to see me avail myself of the small luxuries of the house, and to treat it as my own. To tell the truth I think the lack of company on the plantation is a little dull for them. Mrs Holme especially indulges me – although never in the ways in which it seems she would like to indulge you, if I’m not very much mistaken?”

His eyes sparkled with the reflected fire and he winked, gesticulating expansively with his fat cigar in a boisterous, pally sort of way.

 

[Homerun2611]

I had felt bad not being able to be honest with Elizabeth. I had warned her certain actions might need to be taken to avoid issues with her mother and to protect both Elizabeth and Marabel, but K knew she was not ready to hear how her mother had just tried to suck my cock, and I had not exactly stopped her. It was almost a reprieve when Stanton asked me to join him in the study for brandy and cigars.

I must say I was pleasantly surprised with how Stanton was treated in her household, for he was black and this was the deep South. I had not asked Elizabeth if he was a slave or a free man, but it didn't really matter to me. He was clearly a man deserving of respect, and I liked the fact that he was given liberties and the respect here he rightly deserved. Stanton was an impressive man, at least ten years older than me, as we started to talk he almost took on an Uncle like personna. I liked that he referred to Catherine and Elizabeth's father as his employers.

I smiled at his reference to Catherine, "Yes, Mrs. Holme appears to be a woman who knows what she wants and is unafraid of what others might think. I do worry about Elizabeth, and I will ask you a favor if I may. There are things here that might take place, but please be there for Elizabeth and reassure her, nothing changes the conversations we have shared."

I used the word conversation as a metaphor, but the wise Stanton simply nodded. "I am glad to hear that, for if Miss Elizabeth were my own daughter, I could not love her more." I had no doubt of Stanton's truth, and I could see why Elizabeth loved him so.

"Stanton, please help me understand a bit of the dynamics taking place here. While I know it is not my place, I saw Mr. Williams engaged in activities most disappointing, and I believe Cath..Mrs. Holme is aware. Is there anything you would be comfortable in sharing with me about Mr. Holme and their relationship and how they feel about the conduct of Mr. Williams?"

I took a long drag on my cigar and sipped the fine brandy. "I do not mean to put you on the spot, it is just that Elizabeth speaks so highly of you, but please I understand if you would prefer not to speak on this until you know me better..." I laughed, "...and I have a feeling there was a reason you asked me in here, perhaps I should allow you to ask the questions of me first?"

 

[Initiate_me]

Stanton toyed with his cigar and looked into the fire, as if for a sign. Then he turned back to the soldier.

"I will tell a little and then you might tell a little, how does that sound? Good? Alright then." He placed his glass of brandy down on the mantlepiece above the fireplace and began to pace slowly from one end of the room to the other.

"Williams is a troubled man. I try to see the best in everyone, but he makes this... challenging. His behaviour has worsened since Mr Holme departed."

He paused, and appeared to be carefully choosing his next words. "I am of the opinion that sooner he will kill one of the slaves. By design or by accident. I would like to prevent that from happening, but I am not often free to surveil him."

He glanced up and cleared his throat. "In any case, to answer you more directly; Mrs Holme cares for little other than her own whims and urges. Mr Holme is a better Christian, but his... mission keeps him from us. And the war complicates everything, despite the... hope which it offers to some of us."

Ceasing his pacing and picking up his brandy, he smiled at the other man. A weary smile.

"Well then. Tell me of your relationship with Elizabeth. I know her well enough to perceive the intensity of her feelings to you, but what of you towards her?"

 

[Homerun2611]

Mr. Stanton had listened to me, and now proposed a bit of give and take, shared honest if you may. "Of course Stanton, and I will be honest if I cannot answer, but where I can, I will try." It was all I could do, but I would not betray or risk either Elizabeth or Marabel in fulfilling this pact.

Stanton began to pace as he collected his thoughts, and I simply sat in the overstuffed chair, sipping the brandy, smoking my cigar, and giving Stanton the ability to collect his thoughts.

"Did Williams respect Mr. Holme, was he held accountable?" Stanton's prediction of Williams killing one of the slaves was horrible, however, given my only impression of the man I feared it accurate. "I understand Stanton you are not in position to stop him, but perhaps I am. Back at home, the overseers reported to me, we ran a good farm, we treated our slaves as people, and we had great loyalty. Our freeing the slaves on my plantation is far overdue. However, I believe most will stay on, we will offer a fair wage and reasonable living conditions and provisions."

I wonder if I might convince Cat...Mrs. Holmes to allow Williams to report into me, let me hold him accountable. The end of the war is coming, only those plantations who make their slaves fear them will find once free, they will have no one left to work their plantations. I promise I will keep Williams in line."

Stanton spoke of Catherine and it was clear he held little respect for the woman, except of course, that she was now in charge of the plantation and him. He had far more respect for Mr. Holme, but he said the word mission with an interesting punch. "His mission? Where does Mr. Holme serve, what exactly does he do for the confederacy?"

Stanton gave me a look as he mentioned Catherine's urges, and I nodded. "Yes she seems to be a woman of passion. Stanton, look at me...if she wanted she could alert the confederacy that I am capable of returning to my regiment. This war is over. Yes, it will likely last another year, but the Union will prevail. I am not in a position to anger her, if you understand my meaning. I have tried to warn Elizabeth, but I fear it will still be hard for her."

This brought us to Stanton's primary question of me, "Well then. Tell me of your relationship with Elizabeth. I know her well enough to perceive the intensity of her feelings to you, but what of you towards her?" I looked Stanton directly in the eye and did not attempt to at all dodge the question. "I love her, I feel in love with her as she cared for me in the hospital. I see all the kindness, intelligence and charm in her that you do Stanton. I hope to some day make her my wife..."

That was the good part. "...yet, I am quite certain to survive and to protect any concerns as to Elizabeth's purity, not to mention Marabel and the concerns I have for her with men like Williams around here. I fear that to keep the right appearance the I will need to lay with not only Catherine but Marabel as well.

I stopped and took a sip of my brandy. "I feared this and tried to warn Elizabeth that I may need to take actions that will seem contrary to the feelings we share. I believe she reluctantly understands with Marabel. She will be safer if she is considered my lover. However, with Catherine, her mother, I think the affections I may need to give her, will be far more difficult for Elizabeth. I would like to ask you to help me with her, reassure Elizabeth, I love her Stanton, I love her with all my hear!"

 

[Initiate_me]

Stanton nodded. "I understand. And I agree - you will need to stay on the right side of Mrs Holme, as she is unpredictable, and can be vindictive if she faces rejection. I remember several years ago she sought the affections of a local businessman who was visiting Mr Holme. When the man politely declined her advances, due to being newly and happily married, she all but chased him from the property, and proceeded to ruin his reputation in the area with a vicious and false rumour. So take care."

He took up the poker and nudged a log in the fire, and looked about, as if to ensure that they were unobserved.

"As to Mr Home's role for the confederacy... it seems complicated. I have heard strange things said about him, from time to time, although most believe him to be a loyal servant of the South. I really do not know what to believe. He sends me letters, from time to time. To a mutual friend who lives nearby - Mrs Holme is not aware, so please do not mention it. I think he is in some sort of trouble, which pains me. In my last letter I begged him to tell me what was happening, what he was involved in, because he is not merely another confederate officer, of that I am sure. Perhaps in his next message he will shed some light."

He had been staring into the fire as if lost, but now looked up and shook his head, and smiled at Rusty.

"Forgive me - I have been starved of good company, and now I am rambling. You must be weary, I know that I am. I'll bid you goodnight, with this deal made between two gentleman of their word - that I will do what I can to navigate the difficult seas of Mrs Holme and reassure Elizabeth, and that you will work with me to find a way of thwarting that devil Williamson."

He thrust out his dark hand, to be met by a white one.