Master and Maid

<<This thread is closed for myself and se7en - we hope you'll read along and enjoy our tale>>


Nestled in the rolling hills of Yorkshire stood the Darkwood estate. It was of a fairly decent size, as estates in that part of the world went, with large gardens surrounding the house, farmland upon which worked and lived the estate’s tenant farmers and a generously sized lake too.

Martha Blake had been a maid in the house of the Darkwood family since she was 14 and after 10 years of faithful service she had been promoted to the level of personal maid to Lady Darkwood herself. Martha was sweet, kind and devoted to the family she served. After the deaths of her mother through illness and her father through drink (and a broken heart, she believed) she had been brought into service in the mansion, from that moment on she had become a part of a new family. She knew she was very fortunate to have found apposition within such a family. She heard rumours and stories of how young women were treated as little more than slaves by some families, and far worse by the sons within the least scrupulous ones. The Darkwood family were principled and kind, they looked after the tenants on their land and were well thought of by all who knew them.

Always a little on the short side for her age, she seemed to have grown very little in her time at Darkwood house. She had grown up though, her soft features had become more defined, her bright blue eyes had become more inquisitive and her softly waving dark hair now reached almost to her waist. Not that it was ever on show. Every morning she carefully pinned it all up and then carefully placed her white cap on the top of it. She had developed a womanly figure beneath her corset and black dress but she barely noticed it. Why would she? She had no looking glass in her small attic bedroom and the thought to look at herself whilst in her mistress’ chamber had never occurred to her. She merely dressed herself each morning and then went about her duties, helping to dress her mistress, helping out with any sewing and mending that might need doing, occasionally helping out in the kitchen or serving at the family’s dinner table. Sometimes she tended to guests staying at the mansion, but rarely was she called to serve upon Lord Darkwood, he had his own valet for his needs.

However, one fine morning, as she was helping her mistress to dress Martha was informed she would have extra duties from the following day. Their son, the honourable Robert Darkwood was returning to the family home after spending the last few years travelling the world, studying and ‘learning about life’. She would need to help him as and when he required until a suitable valet could be found.

Martha had been unable to suppress the smile that curved her soft, pink lips. She and Robert had been playmates and confidantes when they were much younger and she had often found herself wondering what he had been up to since leaving the house. He was witty and generous, he’d taught her to read and write, sharing all of the things he was told by his tutors. She’d known he was handsome but at the age they had been, such things counted for little. Besides which, he was the son of her employers, to think of anything beyond mild friendship was unthinkable. And even if it wasn’t, why would he look at her when he could have any woman of his choosing?

Beside which, if the rumours among some of the maids below stairs were to be believed, the chances were he was going to come home with a pretty young wife from overseas. Martha sighed a little and then smiled at her mistress , replying that she’d be more than happy to be of any service she could. If nothing else, she was genuinely happy to know he was safe and well and on his way home.

Once her mistress was dressed, Martha was excused. Knowing she would have a few hours before she was needed to help with the serving of luncheon, she headed out into the grounds for a walk. Something she did quite a lot. Walking through the sculptured gardens, with their ponds and rosebeds, secluded groves and alleys of trees she was free to get lost in her own imagination.

Martha paused near the rose garden, her mind’s eye replaying scenes from many years before. The two of them, Robert and herself, running through the carefully manicured plants and shrieking with laughter. She realised that she still thought of Robert as he had been then. Taller than her, but then everyone had always been taller than her, with keen eyes and a ready smile. When she tried to think how he might look as ‘Robert, the man’ her mind faltered. She shrugged after a moment or two spent trying to conjure an image into her mind, the effort wrinkling her delicate nose slightly. She’d find out soon enough how he looked, although she would have to remind herself of their positions. They were no longer children.

“It will be nice to see him again…” She mused, fingertips gently brushing leaves as she walked passed them. “…although, with everything he’ll have seen on his travels, I doubt he’ll even remember me at all…my name is probably long forgotten…more than likely, I am too…”

"Sir Robert Darkoowd???" A young man's voice reached Robert's ears as he was just stepping onto solid land for the first time in over a week. The trip back from China had been a long and tiring one, and those damned ships didn't move fast enough.

"Yes I am Robert. You are Edward right?" Robert smiled at his longtime friend. He hadn't change that much, so it was easy for him to recognize Edward. He was just a servant for the family, but a very faithful one, and one who had been a good friend and help to Robert all his years.

They shook hands and walked side by side talking about the very long trip that Robert had embarked upon many years ago. They reached the carriage and got on, starting another relatively long trip back home. Robert sighed as he looked out the window and saw his country once more. He had missed it a great deal, and missed the people who lived there, his family, his friends and his love. He kept looking out of the window in complete silence as his mind was deep in thoughts and his heart pounded a little faster in anticipation.

Robert had matured rather well, and had changed a lot in those years he had left, he was quite tall, handsome, strong-looking and his eyes gave a continuous glint. One look into his eyes would tell anyone that he was a wise and quite a knowledgeable guy for his age. His trip around the world taught him many things and allowed him to see, in five years, what he would have needed decades to see without those travels. The kind-hearted good boy had matured into a very kind young man. His appearance had changed, and he became strikingly handsome, but his good nature was kept intact. He was raised well, and was every bit a Darkwood as his father and mother.

A smile was a constant on Robert's handsome features, and was one of the things that drew people to him. He carried himself with great confidence, but at the same time, never looked arrogant. He smiled all the time at everyone and anyone. He did not look like a fool though, smiling left and right. He had a warm and calm smile that made people all around like him. That was especially true for girls and women who always seemed to find ways to be close to him trying to win his heart.

His heart was already taken though. Martha, that was her name, she had stolen his heart many years ago. They grew up together and were, more or less, best friends. She had been many things in his life, and one of the hardest things to leave behind as he went on his trip. He had thought he wasn't worthy of the angel that was Martha. She was too good for him. At least that's what he thought, and boy did he regret leaving her behind. She might have got married for all he knew, or fell in love with someone else, or is just living somewhere else, and his hope of seeing her again and correcting his mistake might have been false hope. He certainly hoped he was not too late.

"The early bird catches the worm, and I might have wasted my chance to be that early bird." Those were his thoughts as he imagined that someone else must have noticed how great she was and had taken her as his bride. "If she is still available, I will propose to her today."

Robert made his mind as his thoughts, once again, drifted into the distant past. Martha never left his mind as he was traveling, he had seen countless lovely ladies, and a lot of them have taken their shots at his heart, and all had failed. He only wanted the lovely Martha, his best friend and his love. He had never confessed that love to her. As honest as he was, he could never have said it. He feared she might not share his love and would just turn him down. He couldn't stand the idea of rejection, or that if he confessed his love, it would ruin their friendship.

They were together almost all the time, they grew up together, they played together, they talked, they shared secrets and just about everything else. He had the pleasure of being her teacher as well, teaching her to read and write. Even after all those years travelling, he never had as much fun in his life as when he was teaching her. It was immense fun to help her learn, tease her and playfully punish her when she made a mistake. He, of course, never hurt her or ever thought of hurting her though, but playfully smacking her hand or poking her or having her redo her homework was too much fun for him, and he hoped it was just as fun for her as well. Her expressions, laughs and the fact that she never quit classes meant she enjoyed it a great deal.

As his thoughts continued to carry him all over his past with Martha, the carriage was entering their huge lands and the large mansion loomed in the distance. He was around two hours early as the ship arrived a little bit earlier than scheduled, and he had urged Edward multiple times to go faster and faster. He was that much in a hurry.

While the carriage was moving through the lands, he spotted a familiar face. "Bloody hell, that is Martha!!!" He thought as he ordered Edward to stop, and he descended from the carriage quickly and walked to her. He stood in front of her and was towering over her small frame. He looked her up from head to toe, and smiled a wide and warm smile. She was as beautiful and as small as ever.

She was the most elegant and delicate girl he had ever known. Nothing had changed. Despite being simply a maid, she looked stunning. Her look was simple, no make up, no fancy clothes. Just naturally brilliant and innocent. She was a princess in his eyes, and if it wasn't too late, he would make sure she would live like one from now on.

A wide smile covered his lips and his features lit up as he saw his longtime friend and his soul-mate. At least in his eyes. He put his hands on her waist and pulled her into a hug "Martha, I missed you."

Those were all the words he said as he hugged the lovely young lady. Although his plan was to get home, hug and kiss the amazing woman that was his mother, get some lunch, and then go hunting for his princess, his plan was thrown out the window the moment he saw her, the moment he saw the object of his dreams, the moment he saw Martha.

He decided not to stretch the hug in case she was married, engaged or just didn't care about him, so he ended the hug quickly to make it look just like a friendly hug. He didn't want her to know about his feelings till he made sure she wasn't in some sort of a relationship, and that should be easy to find out, questioning one of the other maids or asking his mother would solve that issue.

Robert looked down into Martha's deep angelic eyes and continued to smile "So how have you been during all this time? Are you still practicing reading and writing or you forgot all that after I left?" He asked and winked at her.

Martha looked up as a coach came over the crest of a hill and slowly began to rumble and crunch its way up the gravel driveway to the main house. She frowned for a moment, surely it wasn’t guests. She hadn’t heard that the Darkwoods would be having company for luncheon, but if they did then she certainly shouldn’t be out in the gardens, she should be inside helping with the necessary preparations. She went so far as to take a step or two back towards the house as her eyes followed the coach.

Her frown became a little more pronounced as the coach stopped close to where she stood. Blue eyes narrowing as they tried to see inside the gloomy interior and identify the occupants. The carriage door suddenly opened and she didn’t need to try and guess anymore. Even though it was a face she hadn’t seen in many years she knew instantly who it was.

Her cheeks flushed as Robert Darkwood walked straight towards her, trying not to look too boldly at his face and yet unable to look anywhere else. Her chin tilted higher and higher until he came to a stop before her.

She opened her mouth to greet him as she knew she should but she never got further than that, in an instant hands landed on her waist and the next thing she knew she was wrapped in a tight embrace. It was all she could do to not cry when she heard him speak her name,
"Martha, I missed you."
“I missed you too…Sir Robert…”

Her arms rose to curl around his torso, feeling the increase in girth that came from growing up. She fought back the desire to lay her cheek against his chest, not wanting to appear too forward. Soon enough the embrace had run its course and after a few minutes they were stood before one another once more.

"So how have you been during all this time? Are you still practicing reading and writing or you forgot all that after I left?"
“No, no, I still read, luckily your father lets me use the library on my afternoon off. He is such a good man and besides, I wouldn’t want to waste all those hours you spent teaching me,” She smiled, trying to contain her joy at seeing him and at having him remember her as well as she remembered him. “And thank you, I am quite well, I am your mother’s personal maid now and I am so happy to still be here at Darkwood Hall to see your return…

“But what of your travels?” There was no way she could have kept the awe like tone out of her voice, even if she’d tried. “We heard you’ve been on practically every continent! Obviously we only know what your mother and father shared from your letters, but it sounds like you’ve had an amazing trip, Robert…”
As she said his name suddenly reality came crashing down around them and Martha’s cheeks flooded with colour.

“Oh I meant, Sir Robert, I mean, oh I am sorry…I shouldn’t have been so informal, please forgive me, sir…I must have just gotten carried away in the moment,” She stepped back a little, bowing her head slightly, as if to emphasise the fact that she realised their positions. “I am sure you have far more important things to do than to tell a maid about your adventures. Would you like me to go ahead to the house and inform them of your arrival, sir? Only we weren’t expecting you until tonight at the earliest and I’m quite sure your mother would love to know you were home already…”

“I missed you too…Sir Robert…” Robert barely managed to contain his excitement at hearing her soft voice. It all but breathed new life into him, his eyes lit in joy at the sight of her beautiful face, at the sound of her soft feminine voice, at her intoxicating scent and at finally being close to his best friend and who would hopefully be his honored and loved wife.

He enjoyed the hug a great deal, and was glad she returned it, feeling her small hands curling around his back was so very relaxing that he forgot the long tiring trip. At that moment he was happy, he was glad and he was looking forward to what the future holds more than anytime in his life.

“No, no, I still read, luckily your father lets me use the library on my afternoon off. He is such a good man and besides, I wouldn’t want to waste all those hours you spent teaching me, And thank you, I am quite well, I am your mother’s personal maid now and I am so happy to still be here at Darkwood Hall to see your return…”

He looked at her angelic face and gave her a wide loving smile as he listened to her talk and then he teasingly pinched her cheek gently and winked at her "Oh yes my father is indeed a good man, I am sure I will tell him you said that, and my mother is so lucky you are her personal maid. I will try my best to borrow you during my stay here, and girl am I glad you are still here to greet me upon my return. It is so lovely that you are the first I see."

Robert teased her not mentioning that he doesn't really want to borrow her, but to keep her forever and show her how an angel like her should be treated.

“But what of your travels? We heard you’ve been on practically every continent! Obviously we only know what your mother and father shared from your letters, but it sounds like you’ve had an amazing trip, Robert…”

He continued to listen to her soft voice, more or less, lost into her deep eyes, and he chuckled at her tone, she was really impressed at his ability to go around the world, and at that moment, he made a mental note to take her to a similar trip after they get married, that would be her honeymoon. Years of travelling to all the best places in the world, if she would like that of course.

“Oh I meant, Sir Robert, I mean, oh I am sorry…I shouldn’t have been so informal, please forgive me, sir…I must have just gotten carried away in the moment, I am sure you have far more important things to do than to tell a maid about your adventures. Would you like me to go ahead to the house and inform them of your arrival, sir? Only we weren’t expecting you until tonight at the earliest and I’m quite sure your mother would love to know you were home already…”

Robert resisted the urge to laugh loud at her rambling and unneeded apologies, so he moved his fingertip and touched her lips as if to tell her to just stop talking, and then his fingers moved to take her chin between his thumb and index finger. He held her chin gently and tilted her head so she would look into his eyes again.

"Don't be silly Martha, we are childhood friends, you don't need to call me sir, that makes me feel old, and I don't want to feel old silly girl, so just call me Robert, or any of the nicknames you gave to me when we were kids. I don't mind my dear. Oh and you be a good girl and I might very well take you on a similar trip" Robert teased again with a playful smile dancing on his lips. He paused to take another long look into her eyes and smiled to comfort her while still holding her chin.

"As for me having more important things than telling a maid about my trips, again you are being very silly, you are my best friend, and I never considered you as anything else, you are not a maid to me, you are much more than that, you are very special to me, so never call me sir again and think you are wasting my time, unless you want another of the punishments I used to give you long ago when I taught you how to read and write," He gave her a playful grin as he pointed at her bottom. The same bottom he used to playfully smack long ago when he was playing the teacher and she was playing the student.

He made sure to emphasize the word 'special', but not mention love or affection. He needed to be sure she didn't belong to someone else before he would share his feelings towards her.

Robert shrugged before letting go of her chin and putting his hand on the small of her back, guiding her to the carriage, he helped her get on and had no intention of hearing objections from her "The house is still far my dear, and I want you to accompany me." He then looked at her small feet, hidden inside comfortable working shoes "And I don't want those cute little feet tired from all the walking."

They climbed into the carriage and Edward was signaled to go forward. Robert then gazed back into Martha's lovely features and wanted to start the conversation about whether she was engaged "So my dear, did any lucky man manage to wed you just yet or are you still a free bird?"

He was in a hurry to know, and decided that asking her himself would be easier than interrogating one of the maids or his mother. Those nosy women wouldn't explain anything to him without him offering an explanation in return as to why he was so interested in Martha's love life. He would rather avoid those headaches and take it from Martha's tender lips and hear it in her soft voice.

Deep inside, Robert was secretly praying to God, the gods, any deities, fate and just about anything else so that the answer escaping Martha's ruby lips would be the one he wanted to hear, that she was free and he still had a shot at her. He looked at her awaiting her answer thinking "Heavens, she is adorable!!! Please let her be mine!!!!"

Martha’s heart actually stopped for a second or two as she watched and felt his finger move to rest upon her lips. His expression was gentle as she immediately ceased her rambling. His hand moved and she felt her chin being lifted until their eyes met.

"Don't be silly Martha, we are childhood friends, you don't need to call me sir, that makes me feel old, and I don't want to feel old silly girl, so just call me Robert, or any of the nicknames you gave to me when we were kids. I don't mind my dear. Oh and you be a good girl and I might very well take you on a similar trip. As for me having more important things than telling a maid about my trips, again you are being very silly, you are my best friend, and I never considered you as anything else, you are not a maid to me, you are much more than that, you are very special to me, so never call me sir again and think you are wasting my time, unless you want another of the punishments I used to give you long ago when I taught you how to read and write,"

“Well, I can promise to try to just call you Robert…at least, when we might have time on our own but I fear I shall always feel I have to call you ‘sir’ when we are around your parents…” Martha bit back on the instinct to add ‘sir’ to the end of her sentence with a shy smile. “And as for taking me on such a trip, to take me into town once will be treat enough for me!”
As his hand left her face Martha felt a pang of disappointment but she did all she could to hide it. His insistence that she accompany him back to the house in his coach brooked no argument and so Martha soon felt herself swaying back and forth beside him as they slowly but steadily made their way towards Darkwood Hall.

"So my dear, did any lucky man manage to wed you just yet or are you still a free bird?"
For the first time since seeing him, Martha laughed.
“Married? Me?” She leant back against the back of the cushioned seat as she tried to regain her composure. “Who on earth would want to marry me,s-?” Cheeks flushed a little as she almost, almost called him ‘sir’. “Besides, what with my work for your mother and my chores for cook, I don’t have time for a husband!” She sighed, letting her eyes drift out of the window for a few moments. “No, I am still as free as a bird and fear I always shall be…not that I feel any anger towards your family, please don’t misunderstand me, I can think of no other place, no other family I would rather live and serve. Besides, your family is my family. I don’t need another one of my own, now do I?"

The urge to ask him of his own situation rose up inside her but she swallowed it down. Not calling him ‘sir’ she could try to do, to try to pretend their stations in life were even vaguely similar was something she simply could not do.
Not long after she had finished speaking the coach came to a gentle, shuddering halt outside the main entrance to the house.
“Please, I cannot enter with you through this door, I just can’t. But I am sure I will see you soon and in the meantime I will go and tell your mother that you are home.”
Martha bit on her lower lip for a second before leaning over and kissing his cheek fleetingly.
“I amglad you’re home, Robert,” She whispered before quickly alighting from the coach and dashing as quickly as her long skirts would allow her to the servants entrance around the corner.

Once through the doors she collapsed against the wall, her heart was racing in her chest and her breathing was quicker than anything the brief run could have induced. Robert was home, Robert remembered her. And she had kissed him. Admittedly it was an innocent thing, something that could be shared between siblings but she had done it and that was what mattered.
Calming herself, she poked her head into the kitchen and took cook with no small amount of glee what another place would be needed at lunch as Sir Robert was home before hurrying upstairs to the drawing room where she knew at this time her mistress would be drinking her tea and dealing with her mail.

Knocking gently on the door she waited to be called inside.
“Yes, Martha, what is it?” Her mistress’ soft voice asked without looking up.
“Ma’am, forgive the intrusion but…Master Robert is home,” Martha delivered the news as quickly as she could without losing her composure.
With joy she didn’t try to hide, Lady Darkwood rose from her seat and hugged Martha tightly.
“Oh what wonderful news, I must go down and see him. Martha, be a dear and tell cook to make sure an extra place is laid at luncheon…?”
“Already done, ma’am,” Martha replied shyly. It was forethought like that that had seen her promoted as she had been.
“What would I do without you, my dear,” Lady Darkwood smiled before making her way out of the drawing room and down to the entrance hall in search of her son.

Martha sighed happily, taking a moment to clear away the remnants of her Ladyship’s tea and picked up the tray. Carrying the silver platter down the kitchen with its fine china clinking upon it Martha felt happier than she had in years. Her dear friend was returned, she was working for a family she loved. Could life possibly get any better than this?

“And as for taking me on such a trip, to take me into town once will be treat enough for me!” Robert made a mental note to take the delectable Martha with him to town the next day, and to take her to another continent as soon as he marries her.... If he marries her. If was the keyword in his thoughts.

Robert looked at her with a raised eyebrow as she laughed at his question about her being married. It was curious as to what was so funny about that question, but he didn't say anything and continued to look at her delicate features as she explained herself.

“Married? Me? Who on earth would want to marry me,s-?” He raised his eyebrow at her comment thinking "Damn, this girl is sure thick-headed or have never seen herself in a mirror. Any sane man would love to have a woman like her in his life. Hell, I would kill to have her as my woman!!! How on earth would I tell her that though?"

Robert stayed silent and listened to her “Besides, what with my work for your mother and my chores for cook, I don’t have time for a husband! No, I am still as free as a bird and fear I always shall be…not that I feel any anger towards your family, please don’t misunderstand me, I can think of no other place, no other family I would rather live and serve. Besides, your family is my family. I don’t need another one of my own, now do I?"

He shook his head at her reply, and then shook his head again realizing what he just did. Shaking his head as in she doesn't need a family, so he quickly corrected himself "No, of course you need a family of your own, and you can still be part of my family, I know that everyone in my family likes you. You are just a likable person my dear Martha."

“Please, I cannot enter with you through this door, I just can’t. But I am sure I will see you soon and in the meantime I will go and tell your mother that you are home.” Robert listened to her and before trying to tell her that he wants to enter with her, a soft kiss was planted on his cheek by Martha of all people. That was just more than he could handle. She just said she was still free, she still apparently remembered him, was really happy to see him again and she kissed him on the cheek. He was in heaven, so much so that her next words blurred into his mind as nothing more than a collection of soft peaceful sounds slipping into his ears.

It was too late to stop her when she jumped out of the carriage and into the servants' side entrance "She slipped away for now," he thought as he descended from the carriage. His thoughts had nothing to do with seeing his father and mother, but to get an excuse to talk to her again, and to find a way to tell her how much he loved her.

What would be even harder was to explain that to his parents. While they were very nice people and never treated their many servants badly, wanting to marry one of of those servants might very well be crossing a line. However, he was more than willing to cross any line, jump through any hoops and stand alone in the face of anyone just to have Martha. If he was a believer in magic, he would have concluded that she was a witch that had charmed him with some sort of forbidden dark magic, or slipped some sort of love potion into one of his drinks, but seeing as he didn't believe in that, he knew that she had stolen his heart by being the adorable little angel that she was.

He was lost in his thoughts as he walked into the huge mansion, randomly greeting everyone in his way as he finally ran into his mother. His mind snapped into attention as he heard his mother's voice. He loved her so much that her voice made him snap out of the trance that he was put in by Martha's innocent kiss.

"Mother!!!" Robert practically jumped at his mother and hugged her tight kissing her cheek a few times "I have missed you so much!!!"

His mother was equally happy to see him and returned his hugs and kisses "Of course you did young man, and look at you, you are so handsome I bet young ladies are just dying to be with you, but it looks like you have been turning them down, weren't you my dear?"

Robert's eyes went wide at her remark, she really nailed it!!! She read the situation perfectly, yes he was handsome, yes he was desirable and yes he had turned down a lot of ladies because his heart already belonged to lovely little Martha.

"I am sure you are very tired my dear. Your wing is still there and no one used it since you left, I ordered the servants to clean it and put anything and everything you might need. I also assigned my best maid to your care until you find a suitable valet. Her name is Martha, you might remember her from when you were children?"

Robert's eyes went even wider and he hugged his mother again before realizing that wasn't a very smart reaction "Oh yes I do remember her, many thanks mother I appreciate the effort to ensure my comfort. I am tired and will have to rest. If you would be so good as to send Martha over, I need to see what she can do, and need some help with arranging my clothes into the dressers"

With those words, he slipped away from his mother and the servants that have gathered, his face was almost turning red as his reaction all but gave away that he was up to something regarding Martha. He brushed those thoughts away as he got into his suite and Edward followed with his bags "Thank you Edward, it is great to be home and to see you and everyone else."

Edward grinned and gave Robert the thumbs up "Indeed, it is good to see you too my friend, enjoy your stay." Edward left Robert to his thoughts in his large luxurious suite.

Robert swallowed hard thinking "Damn, even Edward noticed something is up. I should really work on some way to hide my emotions, it is my only weakness. I like to think I matured during my travels, but I am getting very weak regarding Martha, and that must change."

With those thoughts, Robert crashed onto the couch and lent back on the comfy cushions as he waited for Martha to come. It was great that his mother had chosen her to serve him. This way she would be close to him all the time, and he would have all the excuses he needs to have her in his room whenever he wanted. Things were looking up for him and that was evident in the wide smile tugging at his lips. However, the fact that Martha was a maid, and nobility don't marry their maids, but sometimes use them sexually on the side, which was an idea he refused, made him think again "Could this be as good as it gets?"

"Martha!"
The slightly shrill voice of the housekeeper carried easily across the busy kitchen.
"Yes, Mrs Pew?"
"You're needed upstairs, Martha. Sir Robert's rooms. Until a suitable valet is found you're to attend him. He needs his things unpacking."
Martha nodded and went to wash her hands. She'd been in the middle of helping the kitchen maids with preparing the luncheon. Robert's arrival had sparked a frenzy among the staff to ensure there would be enough food.

She retied her white apron around her narrow waist, having taken it off to prevent it getting stained while she was in the kitchen. Smoothing her skirt, she headed up the staff staircase that linked the main house with the kitchen and up into the wing of the house where Robert's rooms were located. Her booted feet were quiet on the carpeted corridors, her steps steady, trying not to rush, not wanting to appear out of breath when she arrived.

Soon enough she found herself outside his door. Martha took a moment to remind herself why she was there. To help him, not to engage in conversation. Ever since she'd left him outside the front entrance she'd been thinking about everything they had said since he'd returned. As lovely as it all was she didn't want to cross the line between them. The line they both knew was there, even if they tried to pretend it wasn't.

Smiling shyly, she knocked on the door and waiting to be asked to enter.
"You needed me, Sir?" She asked lightly, trying not to look to boldly into his eyes. He was her employer's son and even if his smile did make her feel slightly weak in the knees, it didn't give her any right to stare at him like some love struck teenager.

"I understand you need help unpacking? I can do that for you."
Eager to please she moved quickly to one of the trunks that had been brought up from the coach. She dropped to her knees and nimble fingers worked to unfasten the leather bindings and open the heavy lid. Inside were his carefully laundered and equally as carefully folded shirts. Picking them up delicately in her arms, she rose and stood before him. There was a lingering masculine scent upon them and Martha fought against blushing as the smell assailed her senses.
"Where would you like them?" She asked. With her arms full of shirts she would need him to help her a little.

Robert waited and waited and waited in his room. It felt like hours had passed since he closed the door and crashed on that couch. Finally, a soft knock was on the door followed by his heart jumping to his throat or at least that's how it felt. His heart was racing. If there was a marathon for hearts, his would, no doubt, win the gold medal.

"Yes, come in please." As soon as he mouthed those words, the object of his fantasies soon entered gracefully into his vision. If possible, she looked even better than before, and if possible, his heartbeat broke it's previous records.

"Bloody hell, so this is what love-struck means!!!" Robert thought as the lovely Martha stood before him offering her services "You needed me, Sir?"

"Oh I most certainly do, I needed you for years and still do." He almost mouthed those words, instead his willpower kicked in somehow and his mouth complied giving her a warm smile as he nodded at her "I told you not to call me Sir silly!"

"Might as well try to remember those Hindu and Chinese spiritual teachings now and try and get my thoughts and heart under control. For the life of me I can't control my emotions!!!!" He thought as he watched Martha elegantly kneel in front of one of the trunks. He watched as her small body was a few yards away from him, and she was kneeling of all things. He licked his lips and continued to watch passively. Her expert hands, fingers and eyes working in tandem to gather the shirts inside into her small arms and then she stood before him.

"Where would you like them?" Her soft feminine voice slipped into his ears. Her voice was like music to him. Her gorgeous figure and angelic features were glimpses of heaven. He took a deep breath and smiled wide at her as he stood up. His emotions and heartbeat finally in check as he strolled towards her. She was so graceful, elegant and to top all that, very shy and very hard-working. She was the perfect package, God's gift to humanity and if he were lucky enough, it would be God's gift to him in particular.

He stood in front of her and took some of the shirts from her hands deciding to help her with the unpacking "I will help you with this my dear, no objections." He looked at her and frowned for a few moments before the smile returned to his lips. He was a terrible actor, and that frown must have made him look like a fool more than a strict man who would allow no objections from his love. He never looked like a fool, but always looked smart and smiling most of the time. He never lost his composure and that was about to become a fact once again.

He had decided to help her with her chores in his room to save her time so they can talk, and because he was a strong believer in equal rights for women, so if she were to be his wife, he would be willing to help her with anything, and so it would be good to get her familiar with his way of thinking immediately.

For fifteen minutes, he helped his lovely maid arranging his clothes and stuff into the large walk-in dresser. They spoke mostly about the clothes and where each should go, leaving little time for any other side conversations.

As the deed was almost done, Robert put his hand on Martha's back, gently guiding her to the large comfortable couch. "Wait here," he ordered her, his tone deeper and stronger than before as he went to lock the door and then turned his attention back to her.

His expression had changed, the previously calm expression with the gentle smile was replaced with longing eyes, a much wider smile and a more excited expression overall. Lust was, more or less, oozing out of him, especially his eyes, as he buried his hands in his pockets and slowly walked towards the delectable Martha.

When he reached her, he took her small delicate hands in his large strong hands and gently stroked them, seeming hardly possible given their size. He looked directly into her deep expressive eyes and then he dropped down to one knee.

Without waiting for her reaction, objection or anything, he lifted her right hand to his lips and planted a soft kiss on her slender fingers. Her other hand followed the first one and his lips met the tender flesh of her palm in a couple light kisses. Her taste was delicious to say the least, and the feel of holding her hands and looking up into her eyes was priceless.

He gazed into her eyes for a long moment before it was time to confess "Martha, I love you. I always loved you, and will always love you." He paused for a moment "Will you marry me?"

Robert knew full well the confession and probably even more, the marriage proposal would shock the young girl, and in order to avoid that, he stood back up quickly, held her soft cheeks in his hands and wrapped his lips around hers to make sure she stays silent and doesn't say something they would both regret later.

The kiss he gave her was only a fleeting one, he didn't want to force himself on her, but only wanted to silence her in style and take her breath away. His lips regretfully had to leave her delicious ruby lips and he reveled in the feel of being so close to his passion drinking in her sweet scent in the close proximity. His index finger quickly replaced his lips and rested on hers "Don't say anything now, don't give me your answer. Think about it first."

His finger lingered on her lips gently stroking her bottom lip as he leaned in and whispered into her ear, his masculine voice slipping into her ears as his warm breath tickled the side of her slender neck. "The door is locked, no one will bother us. If you want to talk, come join me in the couch and grace my lap." His voice was low and his tone was seductive.

He looked one last time into her deep pools before winking and moving to the couch, sitting there he patted his lap and gave her a playful grin. He was feeling like a mountain was lifted from his chest. He had finally confessed his love, and would continue to pursue his passion for as long as his lungs drew breath and his heart beat in his chest. He would have no regrets.

The signs all pointed that she was interested, she had always liked him since they were kids, respected him, admired him maybe even loved him. It was also hard for her to hide her joy as she saw him and he had remembered her. How couldn't he, every minute with her was etched into his mind, every single vivid memory. Then there was the kiss, he could still feel the aftermath of the little innocent peck that she gave him on the cheek earlier. Maybe things will go his way after all. Only time will tell. He sat on the couch and waited for his prize to come and grace him with her presence.

"I will help you with this my dear, no objections."
"You don't need to..." Martha began but she knew he would brook no argument. They worked efficiently and soon the travelling trunks and chests were empty.
"I'll be sure to have any laundry collected from your rooms later today so that the scullery maids can start on it while the good weather holds." She began explaining before she realised Robert was guiding her towards the couch. She sat down with a small frown, completely confused as to what might be happening.
"Wait here," The crease on her forehead increased as she watched him move to the door and seemed to lock it.

When he turned back to face her Martha suddenly felt it hard to breathe. His expression, the way he was looking at her was different, very different, to how he had looked at her before. She suddenly felt a wave of bashfulness and had to look away from him
He took hold of her hands and she forced herself to look up into his handsome face.
"I don't under-" She started but never finished as she watched him drop to one knee before her. Her mouth dropped open and she felt a lump suddenly rise into her throat as his lips pressed against her hands.
"Martha, I love you. I always loved you, and will always love you...Will you marry me?"

For a few long moments Martha wondered if she would shortly wake up in the kitchen, having knocked herself into this unbelievable dream by knocking a cooking pot onto her head. This couldn't be real. It couldn't.
But she could feel his hands on hers, then against her face, followed rapidly by his lips against hers. Her heart actually stopped in that moment. Until then she had never been kissed upon her mouth and the soft, smoothness of Robert's lips against her mouth was sweeter and more loving than anything she could have imagined.

"Don't say anything now, don't give me your answer. Think about it first."
She felt his finger on her lips, stroking the soft pink pillows, sending a tremor shaking down her spine. Her cheeks flushed crimson as he leant closer and she felt the heat of his breath against her neck.
"The door is locked, no one will bother us. If you want to talk, come join me on the couch and grace my lap."
Martha could do no more than nod as he pulled away and left her to consider his offer, heading away from the dressing room in which they had been working and back into his bedroom.

It was a dream. It had to be. And yet she'd heard those amazing, life changing words, felt his hands, his kiss. Martha realised at that moment she was shaking, her fingers curling tightly into the cushioned seat beneath her in a vain attempt at calming herself. Things like this didn’t happen to young women like her. They happened in stories and fairytales.

Rising she walked slowly into the bedroom and sat beside him on the couch.
"I don’t understand, you want me...? W-why...why me...?" She mumbled, all of a sudden feeling both hot and cold at the same time. Her heart had begun to pound loudly in her chest and she knew her eyes were growing bright with tears. "Robert, you could have any lady of name in the world, why choose me...?" Then she stopped herself, realising that she was making it sound as if she didn't want him or as if she wasn't interested when, if she was honest with herself, he was all she had ever wanted...but never believed she would ever have in her life as anything more than a friend. "I mean, I have cared for you all my life...I never dreamed you felt anything in return...I was your family's servant, you were the son of my master...I never dreamed of the chance of being anything more..." Her voice was growing more excited but still quiet, almost as if she believed this all to be a dream and that if she spoke too loud...it would shatter around them both... "Are you sure...are you sure that it's me that you want...?" She asked softly, almost hesitantly, her eyes meeting his and knowing the answer to her last question before he could open his mouth.

“If I am truly the one that your heart desires then who am I to deny you,” Martha’s voice was soft, and trembling. “If you will have me, then yes, of course I will marry you. I think I may have loved you all my life…”

It was the moment of truth, the culmination of years upon years of waiting, planning and yearning. Robert sat on the couch waiting for his girl to come over and give him her verdict. His heart was pounding in his ears as he waited. After a minute, which seemed like a long wait for him, she appeared at the entrance and came to sit beside him. He was sure he said his lap, so why was she sitting beside him not on his lap? Does that mean her answer will be a no? Is her body giving her answer before her lips? Robert wondered as his attention was diverted and he listened to Martha.

"I don’t understand, you want me...? W-why...why me...? Robert, you could have any lady of name in the world, why choose me...?" Her words all but solidified his worst fears, fears of rejection, and he was about to reply and tell her that name doesn't matter, and that he does want her because he loves her and cares about her, simple as that, but that was delayed as she continued "I mean, I have cared for you all my life...I never dreamed you felt anything in return...I was your family's servant, you were the son of my master...I never dreamed of the chance of being anything more...Are you sure...are you sure that it's me that you want...?" Robert's heart was at the stage of almost dropping to his feet as he waited for her to finish before making another attempt at persuading her.

“If I am truly the one that your heart desires then who am I to deny you, If you will have me, then yes, of course I will marry you. I think I may have loved you all my life…”

Robert looked at her with disbelief as she said those words, apparently another attempt won't be needed anymore. After all those years, after all the longing, she accepted his offer, and not just because he is nobility and she is a maid, there was more than that, she did love him, he could see it in her eyes even before she said it.

Love was blooming right in front of him in that room and he couldn't resist wrapping his arm around her, helping her back onto her feet before pulling her down gently to sit her in his lap. His arms quickly wrapped around her tiny body, one arm circled her slender waist while the other reached behind her head and rested her forehead on his chest as he hugged her tightly and leaned down to cover her soft cheeks with kisses. He couldn't remember a time he was happier than now, his dreams had finally come true and Martha would be his forever. Things were certainly looking great for Robert at that point.

After holding his woman in a tight embrace for more than five minutes showering her with loving kisses and pecks on her cheeks, forehead, hands, nose, neck and giving some especially loving and long kisses to her delicious ruby lips, he finally gave himself and her a little break as he leaned back in the comfortable couch and held her soft cheeks in his hands. "I can barely believe it, you are now mine my love, mine!!! I will make you live like the princess you are, just you wait and see!!!"

Clearly he was excited, and he followed his statement with wrapping his lips around hers, stealing another kiss from her sweet mouth, without pushing his tongue in of course, he didn't want her to start running for the door.

Standing up, Robert kept his arms wrapped around his lovely little lady picking her small body up in his strong arms as he stood up. He then walked to the door, carrying her with him. He looked down at her innocent features and smiled wide leaning down to kiss her lips once more before he put her down on her feet, unlocking the door and walking with her hand in hand to the dining hall. "I would love nothing more than keep you on my lap all night and just kiss you over and over, but we have to go eat. You are coming with me, and having dinner with us, no objections, I will inform my mother while we're having dinner."

He was not going to hear any objections and he kept a firm but gentle hold on Martha's small hand guiding her to the large table. His mother was already seated and he could see her raising her eyebrows as he walked in hand in hand with Martha.

Robert smiled at his mother and then pulled a seat for Martha to sit down. "Have a seat my dear." He waited for her to sit before taking his place at the table and looking at his mother who was about to start talking. It was clear she loved Martha or else she might have commented something or had a stronger reaction than a simple raised eyebrow "I know you have a lot of questions and I will answer them as soon as dinner is served."

His mother nodded at him and clapped at her maids so they serve the food. Robert watched as the tasty-looking food was served. Many types, all seeming as well-made as it has always been the case in his house. "Serve for Martha as well." He ordered the maids as he continued to wait and observe.

As soon as the maids left with a gesture from his mother, Robert dropped the bomb "I am in love with Martha, been in love with her for many years, and I proposed to her a few minutes ago and she accepted," Robert started throwing around the news with a very excited tone and a wide smile on his face, and as soon as his first line was finished, he could see his mother's jaw had dropped and she was about to say something when he raised his hand to stop her as he hadn't finished yet. Robert looked into Martha's deep pools and those angelic eyes gave him all the strength he needed to continue.

"The bottom line is, and as simple as that, if you and father don't bless this wedding, then I will take Martha and leave. I have made enough money on my travels to make a living. No discussion, end of story. This marriage is happening as I've waited for this for more than ten years and no way I am letting her slip from my fingers. I am sorry to be this blunt, but I can't afford to lose her, not for any reason, not ever."

His mother was clueless as to what to say. It was all so sudden and unexpected. She knew something was up, but he had acted way too fast. She swallowed and looked between him and Martha and then nodded a few times "Martha is a lovely girl, even as a maid, I think highly of her, she is beautiful, smart and polite and we've known her for a long time. I can't say I approve of this marriage, as its against tradition, but I approve of your tastes my son, and I will talk to your father and convince him. You have my full support dear." She smiled at his son and Martha and then continued "Now let's eat before the food gets cold."

Robert was amazed at his mother's words, he expected a much worse reaction. Still it was worse than he had hoped but much better than he feared. He had some sort of a rosy hope where his parents would be as excited as he was, but that was in dreamland not reality. However, the reality wasn't as harsh as it could have been.

It seemed things were going to work out in the end. Robert gestured at Martha to start eating and he started eating as well. The rest of the dinner happened in silence as Robert was deep in thoughts as to what happens next, and how he can keep out of Martha's legs for the night and until they get married.

As the dinner ended, Robert stood up and went to kiss his mother's cheek, then he went to Martha and took her hand helping her up "We're going back to my suite Martha, you will be moving in immediately. We'll get the maids to bring your stuff down. With your permission mother." He looked at his mother and smiled. She nodded in turn knowing her son won't be able to keep his hands off of the lovely Martha hoping he might satisfy his needs and get to marrying a nobility girl instead. It wasn't the best option, and she wasn't going to try and interfere.

Robert kept holding Martha's hand and guided her back to his suite and on the way he asked her "So my love, how did you feel about how things went? I think they did go better than I thought, my mother didn't object as much as I thought she woud."

After listening to her answer, they continued walking towards his suite, and there he locked the door again before pulling a trunk from under the bed "This one is for you, I kept it hidden." Quickly, he pulled the first object from the trunk which was a satin short white nightgown. He gave it to Martha as he released the cap on her head letting her long dark locks slide on her shoulders and back "Put this on my dear. I bought it from the exotic continent of China specifically for you. It's short and not as conservative as you're used to, but I am sure it would look great on your lovely little body. Besides you have to get used to wearing this sort of tempting garments for me and show off that gorgeous body of yours."

Robert winked at his lovely girl and kissed her cheek while swatting her bottom playfully. He then went to sit on the same couch and pointed at the dressing room. "You can use that if you're too shy to do it in front of me my dear."

He just sat there and waited for the third time on that couch. It was ironic how each time he was waiting for something different. First it was having Martha in his room in private for the first time, and then waiting for her answer, and now after having her positive answer, it was waiting for her to get dressed for his pleasure. Things were certainly improving for Robert, and that showed clearly in the wide smile forming on his lips.

Martha couldn't help but giggle as Robert swept her from her feet, pulling her onto his lap and holding her tightly. Her arms crept easily around his shoulders and she felt a thrill inside to know all those idle day dreams were now coming true. Every kiss to her face made her feel tingly inside and the kisses to her lips, while being fleeting and chaste, made her heart skip a beat. She still couldn't quite believe that what was happening was the truth.

"I can barely believe it, you are now mine my love, mine!!! I will make you live like the princess you are, just you wait and see!!!"

"I already feel like a princess," Martha replied shyly, cheeks pink and eyes bright. "And it's all thanks to you."
Another kiss, another sigh. Another tremor in her stomach.
She gasped as he lifted her with total and utter ease and carried her to the door, before setting her down and leading her out of the room
”Where are we going…?”
"I would love nothing more than keep you on my lap all night and just kiss you over and over, but we have to go eat. You are coming with me, and having dinner with us, no objections, I will inform my mother while we're having dinner."
"But we, surely you want to talk to them alone...I...I don't need to be there, I shouldn't be there..." Her concerns were all but ignored as Robert gently made sure she kept in step with him.

She had set foot in the dining room hundreds, if not thousands, of time and yet this time as her sensible boots clicked on the well polished floor she felt absolutely terrified. She glanced up and saw Lady Darkwood's face, seeing the confusion there.
"Have a seat my dear. I know you have a lot of questions and I will answer them as soon as dinner is served."
Martha said quiet ‘thank you’s as the serving maids loaded her plate with food, it felt odd to be waited upon by the very girls she had sat and eaten breakfast with that very morning.
She was just about to take a sip from her water glass when Robert started speaking.
"I am in love with Martha, been in love with her for many years, and I proposed to her a few minutes ago and she accepted,"
Martha could do nothing but smile bashfully as Lady Darkwood looked at her. Robert gave the impression of a child on Christmas morning, the smile that lit up his face threatening to split his visage in two.
"The bottom line is, and as simple as that, if you and father don't bless this wedding, then I will take Martha and leave. I have made enough money on my travels to make a living. No discussion, end of story. This marriage is happening as I've waited for this for more than ten years and no way I am letting her slip from my fingers. I am sorry to be this blunt, but I can't afford to lose her, not for any reason, not ever."
Martha’s mouth dropped open. She felt she should say something, anything, but she hadn’t the faintest idea where to begin.
"Martha is a lovely girl, even as a maid, I think highly of her, she is beautiful, smart and polite and we've known her for a long time. I can't say I approve of this marriage, as it’s against tradition, but I approve of your tastes my son, and I will talk to your father and convince him. You have my full support dear." The smile that sparkled in Lady Darkwood’s eyes was genuine and made Martha’s worries melt away.
"Now let's eat before the food gets cold."

Without a word Martha picked up the silverware and started to eat. The food was delicious, as she knew it would be. She still couldn’t quite get over the fact that she was actually sat eating with the Darkwoods, that one day she would be one of them.
"We're going back to my suite Martha, you will be moving in immediately. We'll get the maids to bring your stuff down. With your permission mother."
When the meal was over, Robert kissed his mother’s cheek and came to help her out of her seat. She smiled and left his side to kneel beside Lady Darkwood’s chair, her voice quiet and tone genuine.
“Lady Darkwood, I want you to know that I intend to love Sir…I mean, Robert with all my heart for the rest of my life. I know I am hardly the daughter-in-law you had in mind but I promise I will do all I can to earn his love and my new position in this family.”
“I know you will, my dear.” Lady Darkwood leant down and touched Martha’s cheek. “You are a good girl, you will make a good wife, I am sure. And I will have your belongings transferred to the room adjacent to Robert’s. I am sure you two have much to talk of.”

Soon they were headed back upstairs and towards Robert’s suite.
"So my love, how did you feel about how things went? I think they did go better than I thought, my mother didn't object as much as I thought she would."
“I think they went very well. I still don’t think I quite believe what is happening. But Lady, I mean, your mother said something very nice to me and I think, in time, she will grow to see me as daughter rather than a servant.”
Martha watched curiously as Robert produced a trunk from beneath his bed, after closing the door behind them.
"This one is for you, I kept it hidden."
“For me? I don’t understand…” Her words tailed off as he produced the flimsy looking garment. She turned the delicate nightgown over in her hands, marvelling at the dexterity that must have gone into its creation. She felt his hand on her hair and felt the pressure on her hair release, sending dark waves tumbling down her back."Put this on my dear. I bought it from the exotic continent of China specifically for you. It's short and not as conservative as you're used to, but I am sure it would look great on your lovely little body. Besides you have to get used to wearing this sort of tempting garments for me and show off that gorgeous body of yours."
“I…I don’t think I…” She looked at him shyly before saying softly. “It’s beautiful, thank you.”

With a kiss to his cheek, she headed into the dressing room and pushed the door closed behind her.
Carefully, she hung the nightgown on a hook and set to work removing her maid’s clothing. The apron first followed by the simple black dress. It was only when she was rolling her woollen stockings down her legs that she realised there was a mirror before her. Her eyes widened as she looked at herself. Figure clad only in her modest bloomers and the basic corset, the only one she owned. She smiled at what she saw, feeling a little relief that with the right clothing she might not look so out of place as his wife. Turning from the mirror she shed the rest of her clothes and carefully pulled on the nightgown. Only when the cool silk was against her skin did she turn back to the mirror. She gasped as her eyes took in her reflection.

The nightgown clung to her natural curves like a second skin, finishing in the middle of her thigh the fabric covered everything but left little to the imagination. Her chest was barely contained, pert swells pressed up against the smooth white fabric. It’s coolness stimulating her nipples and causing them to stiffen, to press into the thin silk.
Quickly she ran her fingers through her hair, through the waves that hung down near her waist, before taking a deep breath and stepping back into the bedroom.
“So…how does it look…?” She asked softly, her eyes seeking his, hohoping not to disappoint.

“I…I don’t think I…” Robert looked at her worried she might have not liked it or was too shy to put it on, but his fears were put to rest when she continued, “It’s beautiful, thank you.”

"My pleasure, sweetie," He smiled at her as she gave him another delicate peck to his cheek which made his heart sing before she scurried off to the dressing room to change. He shook his head at her choice "Bloody hell, couldn't she change in front of me?" He grumbled nervously but then shook his head again "Don't be hasty Robert, she's yours, and patience is a virtue. You might as well try to exercise it." He told himself in a very low voice as he awaited the delicate maiden to grace him with her presence once more.

It seemed she took her time inside, and Robert waited patiently, counting the seconds in his mind and imagining what could be done to that delicate body of hers once she shows up in that nightgown. If only he could bed her that night, but the cursed traditions won't let him. It won't even let him have her in the same bed for the night, just to hug her tight all throughout the darkness of the night.

Lost in his thoughts, Robert almost didn't notice the delectable Martha stepping out of the dressing room “So…how does it look…?” She said in her soft feminine voice, and Robert was held in a trance. He unconsciously whistled twice and his jaw dropped leaving his mouth hanging, open wide in shock at the marvelous sight ahead of him.

It took him moments to collect his jaw from the floor and then he stood up to walk to her "It looks stunning my dear, simply divine. It's no wonder China is synonymous with exotic."

He reached her momentarily and took her small hand gently in his, pulling it up to his lips to delicately kiss on her thin fingers. He continued to hold her hand and moved her arm gently upwards and to the side "Twirl for me Martha."

Robert kept holding her hand as she complied and moved her dainty feet to give him a full circle. His eyes never left her body, studying every inch of it. He started at her soft bare feet, and cute little toes, shapely, small and almost begging to be kissed and played with. Moving up, his eyes slid along the curve of her calves, creamy lean flesh almost crying for his attention. His gaze continued to steer upwards past her knees and into her lush thighs, half of which were showing beneath the hem of the short gown, the other half tantalizingly hidden behind the flimsy silk. Her feminine parts were also quite hidden and he licked his lips at the thought of enjoying her virgin sex, but he brushed them out of his head immediately. He would never deflower her unless they were bound by the sacred vows of marriage, and so far they weren't so she would be kept a virgin till they are announced husband and wife.

His deep eyes continued to study her body, like a physical presence, they trailed over her belly, to her alluring chest. Her nipples were almost visible through the silk membrane, almost poking out at him and calling out for his lips to engulf and taste them.

His gaze didn't falter, travelling up the slender column of her neck, to her ruby lips and finally back into her innocent eyes. He let go of her hand and his palms cupped her cheeks instead "You look adorable, simply adorable my love. I could spend all day just looking at you and I wouldn't even feel the time."

He ensured she knew he meant those words as his lips lowered to claim hers once more, tasting her sweet lips, licking her teeth. His tongue secretly wanting entrance but not actively seeking it. His nose caught the sweet scent of her hair, captivating him.

As soon as the kiss was over, Robert's arms quickly collected Martha's small frame drawing her into a long tight hug. It was sheltering, protective and loving. Breaking the kiss, Robert took Martha's hand in his walking with her to the balcony overlooking the huge lands surrounding the Darkwood's mansion.

His hands took Martha's slender waist and he pulled her up high and over the threshold of the balcony, sitting her on the cool stone parapet. He knew that her bottom would be cold from sitting on the hard cold stone, and he grinned at the thought, but left her there, her bare feet dangling freely in the air.

"Don't be scared, I won't let you fall." He said as he wrapped his arms tightly around her waist, his strong chest supporting her back to ensure she feels safe as Robert's suite was quite high. He rested his chin on her bare shoulder and flicked his tongue out to lick behind her earlobe "How do you feel now my love?"

The two lovers stayed on the balcony for some time. Robert's arms holding her gently, keeping her safe while his tongue and lips explored the slender column of her neck, licking, kissing and nibbling the tender flesh, quickly finding the most sensitive spots and focusing on them.

After feeling his love might be getting cold there, one arm released her waist and sneaked down under her knees, stroking the sensitive flesh behind those knees, scooping her legs in his arms, as his other arm changed position, wrapping around her waist from the back instead of the front. He quickly and easily lifted her tiny body in his arms. Enjoying the closeness and how soft her thighs felt over his strong large hands.

They entered the room again. He carried her inside, and then sat her back down on her feet right in front of the large couch. He held her waist and turned her around gently so her back faced the couch. He picked a cushion from the bed and put it down at her feet. His hands then moved to her shoulder pushing down gently, helping her to kneel down in front of the couch, her knees landing on the soft cushion. His palm found her cheek and he caressed her gently as he look into her eyes lovingly "Relax dear, and try to sit comfortably as close to the couch as possible with your back to it."

He left her in that spot, to adjust her position and then went to the trunk again. He went back carrying a collection of hair brushes of different sizes and shapes. He flopped back on the couch behind her. His legs enclosing her small kneeling frame. He leaned down and kissed her cheek, drawing her head gently and slowly back towards him "I've always wanted to play with that silky hair of yours and brush it, and now it's time to do just that."

Robert ran his large hand through Martha's silky long hair. It was cascading down her back, almost reaching her waist. It was silky smooth, and hardly needed any brushing, but he wanted to brush it nonetheless, for the fun of it. "It's a crime to bundle and cover such gorgeous hair my love. No more, you will leave it free from now on, understood?"

He didn't wait for her reply to his first command to her as he reached down to her neck and scooped some hair in his hands, raising it gently to his nose, he let it touch his face and drank in the intoxicating scent and silky feel, before letting go of those locks to let them cascade down her back once more.

He repeated the same process, trying to cup more of her hair in his hand, only this time he used his index finger to twirl some of that silky tresses around his long digit. Twirling till his finger was covered and then releasing it. He was most certainly having a lot of fun playing with her.

Robert switched to having his four fingers rest on her head and move down to her neck, as if his hand was a brush, and his fingers were the bristles. His fingers arranging her long locks flowing down freely, unhindered as the hair was silky smooth.

Enjoying this a great deal, Robert leaned down and kissed the top of Martha's head in a loud sound. He then laughed and picked one of the brushes "Ok, I have no clue what I am doing, so make sure to tell me if this hurts or is uncomfortable my love."

He knew deep inside he would never hurt her or make her uncomfortable intentionally, but just to be sure as he wasn't exactly an expert with brushing hair. He took the brush tight in his strong grip, and struggled not to handle it like a sword or something. Barely managing to loosen his grip a little, he put the brush to Martha's head and began sliding it slowly teasingly across her scalp, the little bristles scraping across her skin, tickling and scratching at her sensitive scalp. He kept on going, the brush moving swiftly down her head and to her neck, where the small teeth tickled the sensitive skin at the exposed back of her neck and then at the top of her back before the gown started. The small balls at the end of each bristle were cold and almost pointy. He grinned as he wanted to watch his love squirm under the attention he was giving her.

Robert continued going, making sure the bristles gently brushed against her skin to tickle and scrape across her sensitive flesh, not just slide through her hair. It was an experience unlike no other, and Robert was going to enjoy it fully, hoping Martha would enjoy it just as much.

He chuckled nervously as he continued his brushing, the implement flowing down her back, softly caressing her skin through the silk material of the thin gown "I went around the world for so many years and still I don't know how to brush a little girl's hair. How sad is that my love?"

"It looks stunning my dear, simply divine. It's no wonder China is synonymous with exotic."
Martha smiled shyly at the kiss to her fingers.
"Twirl for me Martha."
With a girlish giggle she did as he asked, turning slowly on the spot. Cheeks growing pinker as the flimsy material flared out a little thanks to the motion of her body, rising ever so slightly on her thighs. She'd never been so under dressed in the company of another before in her life, not since her childhood. Memories of swimming in the lake with Robert in their youth danced through her mind.. Splashing in the lake with her in her under-slip, him in his breeches and bare from the waist up. Their bodies had been too young, their minds too naïve, to see it as anything but the innocent fun that it had been. She felt Robert’s hands upon her cheeks and she left the memory behind, after all, with a present so wonderful who needed to dwell in the past?

"You look adorable, simply adorable my love. I could spend all day just looking at you and I wouldn't even feel the time."
"I never would have believed such fine words and sentiments could be directed at me, and had they been spoken by another I wouldn't have believed them to be true."
The lump that rose shakily into her throat as she’d reply was soon swallowed and forgotten as their lips met once more. This was deeper, her lips parted following some instinct deep inside. She felt something nudging gently between them and allowed it as she realised it was his tongue. Her own cautiously joined in this strange new dance, tentatively licking as his crept into her mouth.

Robert led her out onto the balcony once the kiss had run its course, heart still racing as the cool night air danced over her bare shoulders and back. Her eyes widened as they took in the view. The estate was stunning. Not because of its size, although to some fiancés she knew its size would be everything, but because of its setting, its natural charm. It had been her home for so long, Martha felt so very happy to know she would now spend the rest of her life in this wonderful place.

She gasped as strong hands took hold and lifted her into the air. Her practically bare behind made contact with the cool stone of the outer walls and she yelped. Toes curling as her fingers mimicked the action and wound into his clothes, eyes wider still as panic gripped her insides. Trembling.
"Don't be scared, I won't let you fall."
“But it’s…it’s so high…” She whispered, as if worried by raising her voice she might lose her balance as a result. To her great relief he moved until he was cradling her back against him. His back was warm, even through his shirt, against hers and his arm felt strong, secure. Safe.
"How do you feel now my love?"
“Better. Much better.

And she did. Martha relaxed, letting her eyes travel across the scenery, scanning the sky up above. She didn’t realise how cold she had become until Robert scooped her up and took her inside. Her small frame shivering slightly in his arms. Her skin was covering in a light covering of goose bumps and her nipples, hidden behind one of her arms, were almost painfully hard.
Once inside, he set her on her feet before the couch and gently pushed her towards the floor. Her brows arched in confusion as her knees hit a cushion.
"Relax dear, and try to sit comfortably as close to the couch as possible with your back to it."
“As you wish…” She shifted from upon her knees, curling her legs around beside her so she was effectively sat on her hip. The soft, velvet covered, couch at her back. Martha watched curiously as Robert returned from the chest with what appeared to be a collection of hair brushes in his hands. He positioned himself behind her and Martha felt the warmth of his legs as they straddled her body.

"I've always wanted to play with that silky hair of yours and brush it, and now it's time to do just that."
Martha sighed softly as she felt his hands run through her hair. No one had ever touched her hair, besides her mother in her childhood. It’s thickness and length meant she spent long enough trying to pin it under her cap without thinking once of trying to play with it. Her lips smiled at the thought. Now, she supposed, she would have nothing but time. Time to read, time to learn. A wider smile. Time to play with her hair.
"It's a crime to bundle and cover such gorgeous hair my love. No more, you will leave it free from now on, understood?"

“If that is how you would like to see me, then that is how I shall be,” Martha replied softly, cheeks pinking from both the compliment and the insistence that followed it. She felt his hands gather and lift her hair, felt it being slowly released to fall back down behind her shoulders. Again and again she felt her dark tresses being twisted and weighing, large fingers combing through the lengths. To her great surprise she found it increasingly hard to sit still. She felt strange stirrings deep in her stomach, or perhaps it was somewhere lower.

"Ok, I have no clue what I am doing, so make sure to tell me if this hurts or is uncomfortable my love."
“I’m sure you’ll do a wonderful job,” Her voice was quiet, as if she didn’t want to distract him.
The brush began to move through her long locks and she found herself holding her breath slightly, ready to wince when it snagged on a knot or a tighter curl but the stinging pull she felt sure would come…never came. She allowed herself to relax only to hear herself gasp as the brush’s bristles made contact with her back. They tickled and scratched, but the sensation was far from unpleasant. Her back arched slightly, and her hips twitched. A reaction that went far beyond her own understanding. She fought against her body’s most bizarre motions and tried to sit still. Tried to focus on how tender and sweet the activity was that they were sharing. How intimate. How unexpected.
"I went around the world for so many years and still I don't know how to brush a little girl's hair. How sad is that my love?"

“In truth I doubt there are many gentlemen who know how to brush a girl’s, or even a woman’s, hair. The fact that would even want to brush mine is a testament to how rare a gentleman you are.” Martha replied, her voice a little breathy and at the same time a little tight. Almost anxious.
Again and again the brush tickled its way down her back, between her shoulder blades and lower towards her waist. The sensation was lessened when the brush moved over the top of the nightgown but not by much. Martha could feel her breathing growing shallower, more rapid. While her body had long since warmed up from their time on the balcony, to her great consternation, her nipples were still almost unbearably hard beneath the thin fabric.

Eventually the brushing stopped. Martha was both glad and sad. Glad that the embarrassing reactions of her body might now be over and sad that the wonderful experience was over. At least for the moment. She took a second or two to calm herself, to try and regain control over her breathing before shifting on the cushion and turning slightly to face him.
“That was, without a doubt, the most wonderful thing, the sweetest thing, anyone has ever done for me. And what makes it even more special is that the person doing it…was you…Thank you. Thank you so much.” She smiled shyly up at him, her chin resting on his knee. “I just wish I could repay the kindness, but I confess, I would not know where to begin!”

“In truth I doubt there are many gentlemen who know how to brush a girl’s, or even a woman’s, hair. The fact that would even want to brush mine is a testament to how rare a gentleman you are." He listened to her as he brushed her hair and then smiled at her remarks at the end "That was, without a doubt, the most wonderful thing, the sweetest thing, anyone has ever done for me. And what makes it even more special is that the person doing it…was you…Thank you. Thank you so much.”

He continued to smile warmly at her as she turned around and rested her chin on his knee. “I just wish I could repay the kindness, but I confess, I would not know where to begin!”

Robert's smile was now so wide, it almost hurt his jaw, this was his dream coming true right before his very eyes. The girl he had loved so much all his life was now his forever. What could possibly go wrong?

He looked down at her and gently stroked her hair with one hand and caressed her soft cheek with the other "Well, my dear, since you liked it so much, then every evening, you will kneel between my legs like this, and get your silky hair brushed, how about that? Sounds good my love? As for how to repay me, well, I am the one who should repay you for being so adorable, you don't owe me anything, but I owe you a lot, I owe you a life full of happy moments, starting now!!!"

With those words, he reached down, hooking his hands under her arms and he pulled her small body up to sit her over his lap. His arms wrapped around her tightly, curling her tender body in his embrace. Her head resting against his muscular chest while his hands roamed around her body stroking every inch of her delicate skin at least every inch that was showing.

His lips were no less busy, peppering her arm, chest, neck, cheeks and lips with tender loving kisses as he whispered his love for her in her ears.

This went on for a good long time as he teased and pet her on his lap. He then yawned and chuckled as he opened his mouth a little too wide for a gentleman. "Ok darling, it seems the heavens are going to intervene and they want me to jump in bed and retire for the night, and while I would love nothing more than to keep you in my lap all night, I am tired from the long trip, and as you know, traditions forbid us to share a bed or even a bedroom before we are married, so I will take you to your bed and I will see you in the morning."

As he was saying that, he had already stood up picking her small body up with him and was carrying her to her room, which was adjacent to his. He entered and walked to her bed, gently laying her on it and covering her with the soft blanket. He then leaned over and kissed her lips passionately one last time for the night "Sweet dreams my love. I will see you in the morning. If you need anything, come to me."

He then winked at her, pinched her cheek playfully and rushed to his room quickly before his raging manhood overrides his brain and decides he needs to stay and deflower her right there and then, but he managed to control his animalistic urges and get himself under control, he loves her and won't do that to her.

As soon as he was in bed, he started imagining his love again and how good it felt to hold her and kiss her. It was only a few memories before his tired body got the best of him and he succumbed to restful deep sleep.


Being an active person, he woke up early as he always had. Rushing from his bedroom to greet his loved one and be the first one she sees that morning. He frowned as he found her door was closed. It was a dilemma, does he knock and wake her up, does he open the door and just enter, or does he wait?

He then decided to put his ear to the door and he could hear nothing, so he rushed downstairs and realized she hadn't came from her room yet, so he ordered the maids to ready breakfast on a tray, and he took it upstairs to her room. Without knocking, he just entered her room, she was his for all intents and purposes and only a matter of time before he weds her, so he entered and saw her angelic features, she was still asleep. Seeing her instantly put a wide smile on his face, he was love-struck!!!!

He knew he was up too early, probably earlier than her usual waking time as most of the maids were also asleep, he had to wake them up to ready the breakfast.

He set the tray on the bed and jumped in with her, crawling under the sheets and pulling her close. Whether she would have screamed or not at the intruder would never be known as his lips claimed hers waking her up in style and making sure she doesn't scream. His hands wrapped around her body as he whispered in her ear. "Good morning my love."

They spent the better part of an hour cuddling in bed as he held her close and fed her with his hand, chuckling when she would accidentally bite his finger or when he would tease her lips and teeth. It was the most fun morning he ever had, and he was almost sure it was the same for her.

After playing around in bed during their breakfast, Robert jumped from bed, removed the tray and then pulled the lovely Martha from bed and hugged her. His lips found her earlobe once more and he nibbled on it gently and whispered "Today, I will be taking you to town. As I recall yesterday you said 'to take me into town once will be treat enough for me!' I will take you on a longer trip to the most beautiful places I have visited as our prolonged honeymoon, but for now a trip to town will have to do, will buy you some clothes as well since the ones I got you might not all fit, besides I want you to pick some stuff as well."

He then looked at her up and down, taking in her gorgeous body, barely hidden below the flimsy nightgown he got her and he grinned, "As much as I would love to keep you like this, you need to cover yourself a bit more to go to town. I will pick a dress and shoes for you now and then we'll leave."

Taking her tiny hand in his large hand, he guided her to his room and let her sit on his bed while he went to the trunk he got her and rummaged through the stuff there until he found a very beautiful summer dress, it was a flowery pink sundress. Unlike the nightgown, it was long, reaching a little below the knee, it was also thicker unlike the gown which was see-through, it also had thicker straps that would cover her shoulders and its material would cover most of her back and would show very little cleavage. It was rather conservative, though probably too revealing for what she was used to wear as a maid.

From the trunk, he pulled out a few shoes as well and an anklet. He walked over to his lovely bride-to-be and sat on the bed next to her. Before she could do much, he had scooped her legs and pulled them over his lap. Her cute little feet rested on his thigh and he smiled at her then leaned down and kissed the tips of her toes then down the top of her foot, his lips then trailed a line of kisses up her calve then up the exposed part of her thigh. He peppered her leg with tender loving kisses, enjoying the delicious taste, soft texture and sweet scent of her legs.

After the playful teasing, he gently wrapped the anklet around her slender ankle, it was pure gold and with two tiny bells attached on either side. The bells were very small and thus would make a very low chime that wouldn't be heard unless the room was very quiet. To test it, he held her ankle, lifting her foot a little and he playfully patted her soft sole causing the bells to jingle in a very low soothing tone. He smiled at that sound and planted another kiss on her body, this time on her soft sole.

He then pulled the shoes, and tried some of them on her foot. Some were bigger than her tiny foot, and some were a good fit. After trying the half a dozen he brought with him, he was satisfied with how she looked in a pair of sandals. "Alright, this looks good, go put on the dress now my dear."

As she was getting dressed, and they were almost ready to leave, Lord Darkwood's valet knocked on the door. Robert's father had requested him.

He went to see him, and returned half an hour later, his expression was that of frustration and impatience. He looked at his lovely girl as she put on that dress and a sad smile formed on his lips. "Bad news my dear. The baron has requested that me and my father pay him a visit. It would take around a week. We're leaving now of all times. Sadly, it seems that our wedding will have to be delayed a bit, but I promise we'll get married as soon as I return."

With those words, he hugged her long and tight, and kissed her lips passionately and with longing, he was missing her even while she was still in his arms and his lips coupled with hers.


"I sure will keep an eye on things Lord Darkwood. Many thanks for your trust. You will not be disappointed." Henry said with a straight face as the Lord of Darkwood himself asked Robert's childhood friend and the son of his best friend Lord Rutherford to keep an eye on their manor while him and Robert were away. It seemed his reputation rang hollow with Lord Darkwood or he never heard the rumors about the man he was entrusting with his family, that or he just trusts him based on how well they knew him and his father.

As soon as they turned their backs on him, Henry's smile turned into a sadistic grin. He knew they weren't called upon by anyone, he had forged the letter to get them both to leave only to have them both killed on the way, entrusting him with the care of Darkwood manor forever which means he would be the protector of the family. The family he didn't give two shits about, but that family had his love. The love who had turned him down all those years ago, Martha.

He had cooked up this plan and actually put it into action after hearing Robert was back, and hours later he had heard he were to marry Martha at the end of the week. At least that's what one of the maids from Darkwood manor told him, the maid he fucks and pays handsomely to relay everything that happens in that manor to him, especially regarding his crush, Martha.

He sighed as he remembered the events of the previous night and those that happened many years ago. He had swore revenge so long ago, and it was time to collect his debt, to take what was rightfully his.


"Ah, stop it, you are insane........ awwwww, this hurts, stop it!!!!" The woman was screaming, the pain was too much to bear. It was more than she bargained for, way more than that, and it has been going on for the good part of an hour, and the monster on top of her wasn't showing signs of stopping anytime soon.

"Lady, beware, I said my techniques would take you places, I never said they would take you places you wanted to go!!!" Henry said in his deep calm voice as he continued to administer his love to the bound woman, or at least his interpretation of the world 'love'. She was silent after being under the gaze of his cruel eyes for a few short moments.

She was another older lady married to an older man from a rich family. The husband was either dead, away, or useless in bed. Once again Henry's sexual services were needed. Not only was he paid handsomely for his efforts with those older women. He also got to sample their bodies and the bodies of their maids.

While he was brutally fucking that woman, a knock was heard on the door. When he went to investigate, it was a note from his mole in Darkwood's manor detailing the events of Robert's arrival and the imminent marriage. He was furious with rage, much to the old woman's dismay.

Ever since Martha turned him down, he was growing less and less stable, though one wouldn't know from him graduating at the top of his class and becoming a well-known doctor. That incident had scarred him forever turning him into a monster, but few had actually noticed that.

He had studied and experimented with dark erotic pleasure, torture, humiliating painful sexual positions and much more. This had built him quite the reputation with the women in town, but no one had solid evidence of him being anything other than the area's best doctor, arguably the best in the dozen or so towns he visits regularly. His reputation as a doctor overshadowed his dark reputation apparently. Few actually knew that he was a famous doctor as well as an infamous 'lover' in bed. Infamous for his weird, painful and extremely satisfying sexual encounters with the dozens of girls and women, maids and nobility over the time in which Robert was roaming the world looking for knowledge.


Henry's smile became more pronounced as he stood in front of Darkwood's prestigious manor. For the first time in years, he didn't have to sneak in under the cover of the night to pleasure Lady Darkwood. He was going through the front door and in the middle of the day. He stopped in front of the huge wooden door ready to take the place by storm. He knew what this meant, Martha will be his now, and she will regret that slap and her rejection seven years ago.

He also knew that the news that he would be in charge while the men of the Darkwood family were away must have reached the maids in the manor, maybe even Martha. He was sure the maids that knew the truth about him must be terrified by now. That made him groan with pleasure as his manhood struggled to break free while his lips curved into a sinister grin as he had prepared hell for Martha and whoever else was unlucky enough to be in the Darkwood's service now.