Seduced by the Squire (closed for cumnchat)

[cumnchat]

The fog that had been clouding Joshua's mind had cleared a little after a reasonably peaceful sleep with Bridget on his knee and her arms draped lovingly round his neck and he felt ready to listen to her even if she condemned him for what he had done.

Her voice was soft and earnest full of honesty, not that he had expected anything else from her but what she said surprised him,

' You really are incredible. Doctor Brady said that Jean is so happy. She had thought that she would never see her father again. But she has been spending every free moment with him. In fact, Jean does not know what that horrible man had planned to do. If you had not taken care of him, he would have dragged Jean and her family through the the mud."
'

The deepest recesses of his mind agreed with her but he could not rid himself of the feeling that he had done something terribly wrong.

"That may be so but I acted as Judge, Jury and Executioner, that cannot be right."

At that moment Bridget excused herself and threw up in the chamber pot, also at that moment he knew that if it was not for him many young girls' lives and that of their families would have been torn apart.

"So you think that I did the right thing by the world to rid the world of him?"

'"Your child seems determined to help me lose weight."
She took his hand and placed it on her stomach.
"Soon you will be a father. What if we had a daughter and she came in contact with that horrible captain. Would you not have killed that man for her? You have saved hundreds of daughters from such shame that is not their fault. You have saved hundreds of fathers the pain that Jean's father has suffered." She stroked his face.
"Love, I know that our child, boy or girl, will be safe because of what you have done."
She took his hand and rubbed it over her gently expanding belly.

"If you knew who had killed Isaac, would you fault them? Of course not. As far as I'm concerned, you, my love, are my hero."

Bridget's words and logic plus her belief in him cheered him immensely and for the first time he began thinking clearly. Ezra had clearly brought his fate down upon himself, it was unfortunate that he had to bring him down in the manner he did but it was no great sin.

With his mind cleared of guilt he seized Bridget round the waist and danced her round the room although he soon tired and had to rest as Bridget ordered an extra large breakfast for him.

"What is this Bridget? Are you expecting me to engage you in some form of physical exercise"

 

[Opensesame54321]

The words seemed to finally get through to him. He had seemed willing to listen to her since he had finally gotten some rest. Now he listened, and didn't stare at her with those tortured eyes. As she spoke, she saw thought behind the gaze. And when she took his hand and placed it on her growing belly, it was no longer cold and clammy. It imparted heat, warmth. It was too early for that small kick, or little flutter of movement, but the baby was there nevertheless. Growing each day.

She could see when she finally got through to him, and suddenly, he was relieved. He grabbed her and danced her around the room before running out of steam and having to sit. She knew just what her husband needed, and she ordered a full breakfast for him. He was feeling a bit frisky, but she knew that he needed to get his strength back first.

What is this Bridget? Are you expecting me to engage you in some form of physical exercise

"Not right now, love. First, you need to gather your strength back. Then, once you are back to your old self will we talk about physical exercise."

She smiled as she gently scolded him. "Now, you obey Doctor Bridget and soon you shall be feeling like a bit more strenuous exercise."

 

[cumnchat]

'Not right now, love. First, you need to gather your strength back. Then, once you are back to your old self will we talk about physical exercise.
Now, you obey Doctor Bridget and soon you shall be feeling like a bit more strenuous exercise.'

He was disappointed when Bridget rejected his suggestion but he then realized that he was still weak and it was more than likely that he would not have been able to please her in the manner to which they had both become accustomed, the old adage that 'The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak' came to mind and he smiled to himself and pulled Bridget down to her knees in front of him and quickly loosened her bodice.

"'Tis true that I am not yet myself my dear but can you think of a good reason why I cannot relax while you attend to me? I promise to make no demands on you other than those a loving wife would gladly bestow on her husband."

He lay back in his chair with his legs stretched out either side of Bridget and laid his head back with his eyes closed, waiting expectantly.

=========================================================================================================================================

Meanwhile next door Leslie had been poring over the maps and the all important Ship's Log that Ezra had tried to dispose of.
He had found what he thought must have been the place where the girls were taken ashore, a deserted shingle beach, the girls would have had to be taken ashore in a longboat as it was too shallow for the PRESIDENT to have got in close according to the charts but he would confirm that with Jean.

The Log was most informative and as he read it tears came to his eyes. Detailed accounts of how girls had been brought up from below deck to entertain Ezra and sometimes his first mate, on pain of a beating if they did not comply.

Two entries caught his eye concerning the deaths of two girls in one voyage, for which it appeared he had been severely admonished by his paymasters. It seemed that one girl had been used and tormented by Ezra for over three hours and on the way back below decks she had escaped and threw herself overboard, landing among the paddles and drowning in a matter of minutes.
A second girl had wound a chain round her own neck and choked herself to death, this had resulted in all the chains being shortened so it was no longer possible.
There was also mention of another ship, The PEGASUS which apparently plied between Poole in Dorset and various ports on the southern coast of Morocco.
Leslie straightened and stretched and decided to visit Joshua and Bridget to see if she had managed to coax him out of his depressive state. Before knocking he stood at the door and listened and smiled broadly as he heard Bridget giggle and Joshua stating firmly "'Twill not break in two if you take more of it."

Without knocking he turned on his heel and went back to his room hoping Jean would not stop overnight at her father's house.

 

[Opensesame54321]

Estelle sat across from Chief Magistrate Clothwood, his desk littered with papers. The man looked as if he had missed a night or two of sleep.

"Mrs. Pendragon, I'm afraid that the more we dig into Mr. Crabbs' affairs, both literally and figuratively, the worse it gets. From the information that we have been gleaning from his butler, Wesley, the man has been 'convinced' to show us where 3 more bodies are. Wesley's younger brother, William, had just started working there and seemed to know a limited amount. So far. There is something about the man that I just don't trust."

Clothwood referred to his report. "As to the man we caught trying to enter Lord Lexford's estate, he is a bit more resistant to our persuasion but we realize that he is more of a professional. He will only claim that Mister Crabbe owed money to his boss, and as such, since Lord Lexford was heir to Mister Crabbe's estate, now owed his boss and wished to collect. Who his boss is, and what the product was he will not say."

Estelle raised an eyebrow as she spoke. "I think that we both know what the product was. But who the boss is is probably the most important question we need answered. Is there any idea of exactly how many more bodies total we may find? I'm sure that Lord Lexford will want to know."

Clothwood nodded. "Understood. No. Not really. As to Lord Lexford, have you any idea as to how things are faring with his end of the search? And as to when they will all return?"

"I do not know. They should be receiving my letter soon and I will expect an answer in return."

Clothwood looked tired as he removed his glasses and pinched his nose where they had rested. "I will need to talk with the entire honeymoon party. As to those that I've already talked to, the butler and two other men knew for certain that women were being buried out back. Wesley, his brother William, and a man named Kestle. They all were ordered to bury bodies. As to the women, only one had ever seen a woman buried. Marie had looked out of a window and watched them bury the poor thing. The next day, a woman called Medea was gone and she had been chosen the night before to sleep with Mister Crabbe."

Estelle closed her eyes in pain at the thought of what that woman had endured. Clothwood reached inside his jacket to find a handkerchief, offering it to the lady but Estelle declined it. Clothwood continued.

"I am not happy telling such things to a lady but as Dougan was unavailable at this time..." The large man spread his hands. Estelle held up her hand and told him, "No, I am fine. Pray continue."

"In the basement we have found an absolute torture chamber, but it appears that it was for...sexual reasons. We think that it was here that the women died. The doctor filling in for Doctor Brady is really a bit overwhelmed with all of this but we are having identification of the girls through Wesley as he had been there the longest."

Clothwood shook his head. "We still don't know who killed Mister Crabbe, but it could very easily have been an outraged father, or a man that had been shortchanged in a deal for one of the girls. Whoever did it actually did us a favor. I myself had no idea that such atrocities were happening in our area of England, much less in our town or in that home."

Estelle sat there, her hand gripped in a fist so tight that it dug her fingernails into her palm. "Even his own cousin, Lord Lexford, knew not the extent of all of this and will be quite upset to discover just how evil the man was."

 

[cumnchat]

Joshua had not realized the extent of his weakness for as soon as he closed his eyes in expectancy of Bridget doing her wifely duty, sleep claimed him for all of two hours, although when he awoke Bridget was still on her knees between his legs and her head rested on his groin. Joshua smiled down at her and stroked her auburn locks.

"You need not have waited for me to wake my love I am sure there are other things that you would rather be doing than waiting to tend to the needs of an invalid."

He adjusted his position and brought his swollen manhood into the open, Bridget gave one of her delightful girlish giggles and Joshua said jokingly sternly "'Twill not break in two if you take more of it."

They both fell silent as they heard a board creak outside their door and then the slow almost melancholy footsteps going next door to Leslie's and Jean's room.

"Has the Doctor been alone all the time I have been wallowing in self pity? I understand that Jean needed to be with her family but he also needs her love and companionship without the fetters of politeness and protocol, if he wants to bed her in the middle of the day then he should feel free to do so. One thing is nagging at me there has been no mention of Jean's mother, is she not well? Has Jean confided in you in any way?"

Joshua sat and thought for a moment then declared,

"Tonight you will make yourself astonishingly beautiful and you will be escorted by the two most handsome men in the whole of Ireland, we will dine in the splendour of their restaurant."

Joshua had made up his mind and nothing could change it, he knocked on Doctor Brady's door to inform him of their plans for the evening and told him.

"I understand that you have undertaken the task of sorting through Ezra's papers,
I don't doubt that you have found things of interest but forget all that until the morning and dine with us, there will be many a pretty face to look at."

"But Joshua there is only one pretty face that I wish to see."
Doctor Brady protested.

"Nevertheless you will dine with us tonight
When he left Leslie's suite he made his way to the reception desk and scribbled a short note and enclosed twenty pounds in it, the receptionist promised that the note would be delivered within the hour.

 

[Opensesame54321]

Carrie sat sewing a little outfit as the girls stirred up dust eddies in the sunlight that poured through the afternoon sunlight. By now the girls had fallen into a routine of work. In the morning, they cleaned all of upstairs. She had found a crib up in the attic and Dougan had several of the men drag it down the flights of stairs to the room that was on the other side of the master bedroom. That would allow the Mistress to be close to the baby. She had the room cleaned and the rest of the baby furniture arranged though she was sure that Miss Brid... Old habits were hard to break. Lady Bridget would probably want the walls painted and maybe new bedding. But at least there would be a clean room to start with.

She paused in her sewing, placing a protective hand over her grow stomach. Out in the foyer, she could hear the girls chattering and laughing while they worked. Cleopatra, or Cleo as they called her, appeared in the doorway with a glass of lemonade.

"Cook said that yew would prob'bly need this right 'bout now." Cleo brought the drink to Carrie with a pretty little curtsy.

"Cleo, Oi've told yew afore that yew don't curtsy for me."

"Oi know, ma'am. But Oi 'ope that the Lord n Lady will loike me enough ta keep me on 'ere. And ifn they don't, Oi shall 'ave ta find employment elsewhere. An' Oi need ta do a good curtsy."

Carrie nodded and smiled at the pretty little thing, her black curls bobbing as she gave another curtsy and headed back to work, the white cap lopsided on the girl's head.

 

[cumnchat]

Joshua turned away from the reception desk to return to his suite to bathe and dress for dinner but the lad behind the desk called him back,

" Oi'm sorry your Lordship but oi almost forgot, this came for you not half an hour since." and handed Joshua a letter.
With a heartfelt thanks Joshua tipped the delighted lad half a crown and saw the letter was from Estelle, he recognized her writing instantly. Rather than return straight to his suite and Bridget he found a quiet corner and opened the letter.

' My Dear Joshua,

I so hope that your honeymoon is enjoyable. One merely has to look to see that you two were made for each other.

Now, to the problem at hand. As of this afternoon, 4 girls have been discovered. From what I understand, identification of who they are may be a bit difficult, though various articles of clothing are still on the bodies despite some decay of the clothes. I believe that they plan to have Isaac's old butler, Harold I think is his name, try to identify them as they figure that he must have done the burials. The man stays with the authorities and has been identifying where he remembers burying them. Chief Magistrate Clothwood interviewed each girl separately. A few girls had not been there long enough to know about it other than to have heard it as a threat, as in "you had better behave or you will wind up buried in the back with the others" type of thing. There are two girls that he will want to interview when they return as their names were listed in the book. I leave it to you to prepare sweet Bridget for what awaits her. You might also let Doctor Brady know about Jean and that they wish to speak with him too. Clothwood did not ask about you but he may want to ask you questions as you were related to the man.

You would be very proud of Carrie and Dougan. I find both to have quick minds and pleasant personalities. Dougan has the men working, cleaning the grounds and taking care of the animals. With the added presence of the policemen out here and at Isaac's, the stables have been put back into heavy use and one of the men has a knack for animals. Dougan has made him temporary groom. Carrie has this house cleaned and polished and the little mama grows fatter every day.

We are keeping an eye on both yours and Isaac's place and the police caught one of those men trying to sneak in at your manor in an attempt to steal back a girl. He is currently being held for questioning by the authorities in an attempt to stop this horrible thing from this end.

Meanwhile, we carry on.

Sincerely
Estelle '

Joshua smiled at the first few lines, he had no arguments with the sentiments expressed there, he and Bridget could not be happier. Most of the rest of the letter was worse, much worse than he had hoped but he knew of Chief Magistrate Clothwood a honest decent man and tenacious, he was pleased that he was in charge. He folded the letter into his pocket, he would not mention it until the next morning.

Two hours later he was bathed and dressed for dinner,he had spent a very pleasant forty five minutes playing with Bridget's ever growing breasts, slightly disappointed that it was too early to express any milk from them, Bridget however had relented and milked him with a combination of hand and mouth.

They called for Leslie on their way down, both men resplendent in their dinner suits and Bridget as beautiful as ever in a pretty pink gown and matching hat, the off the shoulder look emphasising her sculpted throat and shoulders.

They sat at the table Joshua requested with Bridget and himself facing the entrance and Leslie sat opposite.

"'Tis a beautiful hotel Joshua, but they have set the table for four and there are only three of us." Leslie noted, being a stickler for things being right.

"They are perfectly correct Leslie, we still have one more to join us, AH, here is our fourth"

Joshua nudged Bridget to keep silent as a figure elegantly dressed in a simple dark grey gown stood behind Leslie and covered his eyes with her fan,

"Please Doctor can you help me? My heart is all of a pitter patter."

Joshua roared with laughter at Leslie's reddening face,

"Sit yourself down Jean, next to your lover, he has been going out of his mind with your neglect of him."

"You are a devious rogue Joshua Lexford, I can never thank you enough, but how did you arrange it and to have Jean so elegantly dressed and looking so beautiful?"

"A little money and reliance on Jean's good taste and this is the result. Now let's eat, I'm famished."

 

[Opensesame54321]

After Joshua left her, Bridget took a little nap. She figured that it best that she be fully refreshed for dinner tonight. It sounded as if her husband had something big planned for the meal, and it would not do for her to run out of steam and put a damper on evening's events.

A little later, he returned with something on his mind, though when she asked, he made some lighthearted remark. It was it not worth setting Joshua back into a depression to press the issue. She had awaken when he came back and he was apparently in the mood for play. He seemed disappointed that her breast were not producing milk yet. She thought that perhaps, to make it up to him, she got down on her knees and sucked on that magnificent cock of his until he came down her throat.

Greatly cheered and taking a bath, Bridget dressed for dinner. She didn't know how much longer she could wear this pink dress. Already her body was starting to show her pregnancy and she really needed to get several dresses that would be able to accommodate her growing belly.

The dining room was very beautiful and she took it all in as they were seated. The Doctor was still a bit down, missing Jean. But knowing Joshua, he had probably taken care of the situation. Her assumption was correct when a very beautiful Jean entered the dining room, much to the delight of Doctor Brady.

The evening was spent with the four of them, laughing and talking and enjoying the meal. And Bridget was looking forward to when they would return to the suite. And hopefully, the poor Doctor and Jean would have a chance to enjoy themselves too.

 

[cumnchat]

The evening passed as Joshua hoped it would, Leslie was back to his old self and Jean was sat adoring him with her eyes and once or twice Joshua noticed Jean's hand disappearing beneath the table and the Doctor shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Teasingly he asked Leslie,

"Is there something amiss Leslie? You appear to be in some discomfort, would you prefer another chair?"

"NO, NO, everything is fine as it is."
Leslie's face coloured and he took another bite of his food.

"What about you Jean ? Have you missed the good Doctor as much as he has missed you?"

Jean was more forthcoming as she told how she missed the Doctor during the nights when she was alone in her bed.

"Oi knows oi 'ave neglected 'im while oi've bin away but oi'll make it up to 'im tonight,,,,,,,,,,, if 'e still wants me."

"Of course he still wants you Jean, can't you see the lust burning bright in his eyes?
All I ask is that you leave him with enough energy to get through tomorrow."

As he spoke he slipped his hand into the secret slit that Bridget had put in all of her gowns and he felt her cool soft thigh just above her stockings.

"Bridget would have it that I am an invalid and not fit for strenuous exercise, but I intend to put the lie to that tonight, do you hear me my good wife?"

His eyes glistened mischievously.

After dinner was finished Joshua suggested that Jean and Leslie be left alone to get reacquainted. Back in their suite Joshua leered at Bridget with a smile on his face.

"How do you suggest we begin my dear? Some stretching exercises perhaps?"

 

[Opensesame54321]

Dinner was delightful and it was nice to have everyone back together again. Jean seemed to have missed the Doctor (she knew that his name was Leslie but as he was her doctor, she preferred to think of him as the Doctor) and she could tell by the Doctor's squirming that Jean more than once was using her hand to excite the poor thing. Joshua seemed to have the same idea as he too slipped his hand through the hidden slit in her skirt and stroked her thigh.

Bridget also noticed that when talk turned to her visit with her family, the woman seemed somewhat sad and she wondered if perhaps she would talk more freely to the Doctor, or maybe when alone with Bridget.

Once the meal was over, they retired to their suite where apparently Joshua was feeling more himself and had definite ideas as to how he wished to spend the night. He stood grinning at her, and she raised an eyebrow as he said,

How do you suggest we begin my dear? Some stretching exercises perhaps?

"Well, first I suggest that you help me get out of this dress. And I don't know how much longer I can wear it. It's a bit tight in the waist as it is."

She turned so that he could help he undress.

"Tomorrow, dear, may I please see about getting something made that will fit my growing waist." She placed a hand on her tummy. "Soon, you will lose all desire to bed a pregnant lady. I will become a swollen lump in your bed."

She ran a hand down his chest until she reached his bulging groin. "Someone is definitely in the mood." She smiled at him.

 

[cumnchat]

Joshua smiled at Bridget's request to help her out of her dress and when she asked if she could have some new dresses to accommodate her expanding figure he replied,

"You do not need to ask, you buy whatever you need, the only stipulations I make are that they are at least one inch larger than now, they are easy to for a gentleman like myself to unfasten and that you have a secret slit stitched into each and every one."

He nibbled at her bare shoulders as she shimmied the dress to the floor, her large full breasts swaying and bouncing. He slid his arms around her thickening waist and pressing himself against her now rather plumpish backside he slowly rubbed Bridget's tummy in a circular motion, Bridget placed her hand on his, then dropped her under petticoats to the floor leaving her in just her silk hose.

' Soon, you will lose all desire to bed a pregnant lady. I will become a swollen lump in your bed.'

"You think that a few extra pounds will make me lose my desire for you? You are sorely mistaken, it may well be that I prefer you as round as a barrel."

One hand cupped a big soft breast and twiddled with her nipple which now needed little stimulation for it to grow to a large teat. His other hand slid to her mound and the hairy heart shape that adorned it.
He could not keep the love out of his voice as he found her hooded button and circled his fingers around it.

"Bridget, you are my one true love and I adore you, I would die for you. I owe you so much for even after what I put you through you still found it in your heart to love me and now you bless me with a child."

He gently pushed Bridget face down on the bed and took her from behind, his hands keeping a firm grip on her jiggling rump as he made love to her, kissing the back of her neck and her delicate white shoulders. There was no need for words, just the gentle SLAP, SLAP, SLAP of flesh on flesh. Joshua was firmly in control of himself as he slid his manhood in and out of his beloved Bridget but when he could contain himself no more he roared in a loud voice,

"BRIDGET, OH BRIDGET, I LOVE YOU SO."

His creamy seed splattered against her insides and he ensured that every drop remained inside her. He rolled off her completely spent and was asleep before his head hit the pillows.

 

[Opensesame54321]

As he helped her out of her dress, Joshua told her,

You do not need to ask, you buy whatever you need, the only stipulations I make are that they are at least one inch larger than now, they are easy to for a gentleman like myself to unfasten and that you have a secret slit stitched into each and every one.

She loved this man, who still knew the right thing to say, and the right thing to do. His hands, his mouth, his body all told her that he meant what he said as he kissed her, his hands rubbing her growing belly and playing with her full breast, playing with her nipples as he helped her undress.

You think that a few extra pounds will make me lose my desire for you? You are sorely mistaken, it may well be that I prefer you as round as a barrel. Bridget, you are my one true love and I adore you, I would die for you. I owe you so much for even after what I put you through you still found it in your heart to love me and now you bless me with a child.

He played with her clit as he whispered in her ear before pressing her face down on the bed and sliding into her. The only sound in the room was skin on skin as Joshua made love to her before he professed his love to her. She felt him fill her with his seed.

Soon they were both asleep. In the middle of the night, Bridget had to get up to relieve the pressure on her bladder and when she climbed back into bed, Joshua wrapped her in his arms, his hand resting protectively over her stomach.

 

[cumnchat]

Joshua woke to the soft gentle snoring of Bridget and made a mental note to tease her about it, knowing that she would take it in good part and more than likely give as good as she got, such was their regard for each other.
Sleepily he stroked her slightly swollen belly and sighed with the wonder of having injected life into her.
Letting Bridget sleep on he washed and dressed and knocked on the door of Leslie's suite.
"Go away, I'm busy." and a female giggle was the only response.

"Very well I shall return in thirty minutes, is that time enough to finish whatever you're doing?" Joshua replied good humouredly.

Again there was a pause and Jean's voice spoke,

"Sir, I have much more need of the good Doctor at the moment, could you not return an hour from now?"

"Are you sure an hour is long enough? You have had all night Jean, or perhaps you are very needy indeed. Joshua teased through the door.

"I will be along very shortly.,,,,,,,,,,, JEAN , STOP THAT!" Joshua heard and chuckled, Leslie and Jean were back on track due to the note he had sent her yesterday.

"OH don't hurry on my account Leslie, I know how demanding a lady can be when she has been starved of affection."

He went back to his own suite knowing that he had a full thirty minutes of play with Bridget before the Doctor would be ready,

He leaned over and kissed Bridget saying "Did you hear Jean ? She is very much like you in many ways, Presumptuous, stubborn, forward and very attractive."

Saying that he gathered Bridget in his arms and kissed her from the waist up,

"YES, Very attractive indeed but not as attractive as you my sweet, now are you having Jean help you today to find some suitable dresses for you both? I will be in conference with Leslie most of the day to find out what he has discovered"

Just then Doctor Brady knocked on the door and being bade entry he came in hollow eyed and smiling broadly.

"You are right Joshua, ladies, God bless them, can be the most demanding of creatures."

 

[Opensesame54321]

Estelle was please at how quickly Dougan and Carrie we're learning to read and write. Dougan was a bit further along than Carrie, but then the man had gone to school a bit longer than his wife. Girls were usually not schooled as long as boys, a fact that irked Estelle to no end. If she had her way, all children no matter their sex or station in life would be required a full schooling. The world might be in a better place if more women had a say in things.

She looked over the papers that the two had written. Carrie's penmanship was much neater but the woman had a problem of dropping her "h"s when spelling - hard to spell what you don't pronounce. Dougan's paper was more correct but his penmanship was atrocious. Maybe if he held his pen different that would help. She would work on that with him.

Setting aside the papers, she drew out a clean sheet and thought for a moment before setting pen to paper.

Dear Joshua,

I hope that by now my first letter has found you so that my news is not too much of a shock.

Four more girls have been found, bringing the grand total to eight so far. I am afraid that it is much worse, for one of the girls was with child, and many of the girls here cried when they heard it. Many of them told Carrie that they think that it was Esther, as she had confided that she was pregnant and several days later they were told that she had left. Poor Carrie has been very upset over this latest news and Dougan has sent the poor thing to bed for a day or two of rest. Marie and Venus have tried to pick up the slack, reminding the girls that in the long run, it was harder work than laying on their backs with a man between their legs but they could at least hold their heads high in society with this work. I think that you would be proud of these women. Indeed, of the men too. I also suggest that if you keep one or two of the men, that one of them be Rodrick as the man is an absolute charmer of animals and as temporary Groomsman seems to be able to easily handle any horse and calm them in no time.

Chief Magistrate Clothwood is anxious to know any information you may have found on that end of the investigation and I will continue to keep you abreast of findings here. They have captured a second man trying to sneak on your grounds and they hope that this man shall be more forthcoming as to who is behind all this here. They still have no idea as to who killed Isaac but they are leaning towards perhaps nefarious person or persons unknown.

In the meantime, I hope that you and Bridget are enjoying your honeymoon and that Doctor Brady is enjoying his much deserved vacation with Jean. Do you think that she would make a good doctor's wife? I think she might.

As always, we persevere.

Sincerely
Estelle

She addresses to letter and set it out to go with the next post.

 

[cumnchat]

Joshua laughed out loud
"Then we are agreed Leslie, but,,,,,,,"
he leaned confidentially into the Doctor's ear and spoke in a stage whisper,
"Don't let them know that we are such weak creatures."

They chuckled together at Joshua's jest and the Doctor in Leslie appraised Joshua as having made a good recovery from his delusions and depression.

He had brought all of Ezra's papers and charts with him and spread them out on the table pointing out where he thought the girls were usually landed.

"I have spoken to Jean about this not ten minutes ago and she remembers that they were taken ashore in a row boat and landed on a heavily pebbled beach with patches of sand, to her right she saw a beam of light from what she assumed to be a lighthouse. I have checked all the charts and one shows a course from Dublin to a deserted area close to a lighthouse at Bardsey Island. 'Tis an ideal place to land goods away from prying eyes so I am surmising that it is not only women that were landed there."

Joshua clapped the Doctor on the back,
"Excellent work Leslie, excellent, at this rate we will have them all behind bars in a matter of days."
Joshua was euphoric until Leslie brought him back to earth,

"I fear that talk of all the perpetrators being apprehended in a matter of days is rather premature, Joshua, there is more to tell you yet."

Joshua calmed at the Doctor's words suspecting that somewhere amongst all the positive news there was a damper.

"What is it Leslie? What have you not yet told me? Hiding the truth will not make it less true, we have had a great success have we not?"

"Indeed we have Joshua but rather than this being just a few depraved men snatching random women for their own ends and then selling them on, it is a coordinated conspiracy across the country involving persons in high places. In Ezra's log are accounts of deaths among the girls two reek of suicide and Ezra was severely sanctioned by his paymasters as apparently one of the girls was abducted to order, not just for looks but a named girl for an unnamed purchaser. Further more there is another ship that sails between POOLE in Dorset and the North African coast of Morocco which is well known for its position on the slave routes."

"What do you suggest we do? Nothing? Let the matter drop as if it has nothing to do with us? NO Leslie I cannot do that, I will of course hand all the information we have to the authorities when we return to Lexford Manor but I will continue to make my own enquiries. I owe that much to Bridget, Jean and all the other girls we rescued."

Joshua went to his bedroom thankful that Bridget was occupied with Jean choosing some new dresses. He mulled over what Leslie had told him and realised all he knew was the bare bones of the matter so he found Leslie sitting patiently waiting for him.

"My apologies to you dear friend, I had no right to go off at you like that, we may have bitten off more than we can chew but if you will assist me we will tweak the devil's nose."

"I thought you would never ask Joshua, we will tweak quite a few noses before we are done."

They emptied three bottles of wine between them, Bridget and Jean finding them sprawled on the couch, snoring loudly.

 

[Opensesame54321]

Jean seemed actually excited to be heading with Bridget to a seamstress. It was actually someone that Jean knew. The girls had left their men back in the hotel room talking about what they had found out as the ladies left the hotel and walked down the street.

It was not a far walk to the seamstress shop, a smiling young woman named Mistress O'Doulh. Her black hair and green eyes went well with the green dress that she wore. Bridget explained that she was expecting her first child around February. The seamstress smiled and nodded.

"You need something that you can wear now and grow into and a few things once you get really close to your due date." The women spent several hours pouring over patterns and fabrics. "I can have something ready for you in a couple of days, and ship the dresses for later so that they will be there waiting for you."

For now, the women came up with the following dresses, which she hoped that Joshua would not think that she spent too much money on.

First was a gold dress and jacket that should be comfortable and give her room to grow while on her honeymoon.

They also picked out a simple blue dress which would work well.

For dressy occasions, the seamstress said that it would take an extra couple of days, but she suggested this a purple dress gown, perfect for any night out or special dinner.

Mistress O'Doulh had one outfit that was something that Bridget could pretty much leave the shop with Jean carrying the box. It was a wrapper that of Bridget wanted to sleep in, she could or she could wear it as a wrapper around the house. The woman had several made up on different materials, and Bridget chose a lovely lavender shade and the wrapper would easily carry her through the rest of her pregnancy. Bridget wanted to get Carrie something special and chose a wrapper for her maid and friend in a pretty green color that was to be shipped back home addressed for Carrie.

They then firmed up the outfits to be shipped home before choosing something for Jean.

 

[cumnchat]

Joshua's head was thumping as he was roused from his drunken slumber by an angry looking Bridget. Like a chastened child he cringed before her verbal onslaught.

"Bridget my darling, my dearest, don't be angry, Leslie has discovered some important information, allow me to wash my face and have some water and I will fill in the details, meantime here is a letter I received from Estelle, I fear the news from home is not good, but we make progress here."

He gave Bridget the letter and made a dash for the bathroom to chuck up the excess of wine while Jean clucked over the Doctor like a mother hen. When he finally returned he remarked drily.

"Consider yourself lucky that you are not married Leslie otherwise your treatment would have been very different."

Now he gathered the four of them round the table and told them everything that he knew including the name of the girl who had been abducted to order but had hung herself by her chains in the hold of the PRESIDENT, presumably preferring death to the life that awaited her.

"Her name was Mary O'Donohue," Stated Joshua sombrely and they all hung their heads and said a silent prayer for her even though she had committed a cardinal sin in the eyes of the Catholic Church.

"Joshua, Sir, oi believe oi know her family, she was a lovely girl Sir,
a wonder with littl'uns and wanted to be a nanny, oi do believe she went to nanny for some family in London but for some reason she returned after a week, she'd never say why though."
Jean informed them, unsure as to whether she was right to speak out.

"Do you know where her family live, Jean? They have a right to know what happened to their child, hopefully it will give them some sort of peace"

"Yes Sir oi know their home. "

"Then we must go now, this very minute, we must all go,
for a Doctor may be needed and Jean to show the way and Bridget, if you are well enough, to provide some comfort."

The house was only a short distance away in a run down shabby part of town where their comparatively better dress made them stand out and regarded with some suspicion by the local inhabitants.

"That's the 'ouse Sir all ten of 'em live there"

"TEN OF THEM? But there can't be more than two bedrooms."
Doctor Brady sounded shocked at such overcrowding.

"That's just 'ow it is in Oireland."
Stated Jean matter of factly.

"Right let's get this over with." Joshua knocked on the door, which was partially opened by a woman in her forties but looking to be nearer sixty.

Jean stepped forward as she was known to the woman,
"Mrs. O'Donohue, you know me, my companions wish you or your family no harm, may we come in?"

The woman said nothing but opened the door to allow them in.

"Who's that at the flaming door Dottie? If it's the landlord come fer the rent 'e's outta luck 'cos we ain't got no money"

The woman spoke for the first time in a soft Irish brogue,
"That's my 'usband, pay no mind to 'im"

Joshua began to speak,
"Please sit down Mrs O'Donohue, we,,,,,,,,,,,,,,"

"You're 'ere about our Mary ain't yer? I can see it in yer faces, She's dead ain't she?"

As kindly as he could Joshua explained the circumstances surrounding Mary's apparent suicide.

"It were all 'is fault, couldn't keep 'is 'ands to 'imsef, that's why she left an' come 'ome. "

"Who are we talking about Mrs. O'Donohue? Give me a name,,, PLEASE"

"Ferris, Clarence Ferris, he forced 'imself on my baby an' did unspeakable fings to 'er, so she come 'ome. I bet 'e 'ad 'er took agen so 'e could keep 'er."

"Thankyou Ma'am, we will leave no stone unturned to bring him to justice. Now I know this is no recompense for your loss but please take this in the spirit with which it is given."

He pressed a fifty pound note into her hand and turned away before she could see the tears in his eyes.

 

[Opensesame54321]

As they walked back from their shopping excursion, Jean carried the box containing the wrapper as she pointed out different shops where she had spent time as a child. But Bridget could feel it was something else.

"Dear Jean, I have come to look at you as I do Carrie - a dear friend. Please tell me what it is that bothers you."

Tears filled the woman's eyes as she reached for her handkerchief. "After Oi wuz kidnapped, me mum was 'eartbroken. She knew Oi wood nevr disappear wifout telli' 'er. She died several months after Oi wuz tak'n. Died uv a broken 'eart. Me Da 'as been alone all this time. 'e's gittin' old an' I'm 'fraid that Oi will nevr see 'im agin. That 'e will die alone. Oi loves Leslie, but this is me Da! Wot am Oi ta do?"

"Oh Jean, I'm so sorry. I didn't know, didn't think. Does the Doctor know?" Jean shook her head, explaining that they had other things on their mind last night. Bridget laughed with her as they entered the hotel.

"Well, if you hear screaming tonight, that means that Joshua heard about the bill for all I just spent." Bridget smiled at her. Once they were back in the room , they found the their men passed out cold, snoring and smelling of alcohol, the 3 bottles laying around them. Bridget lit into Joshua and he managed to look sheepish. He offered a letter from Estelle while he headed to relieve himself and the Doctor read it to them. Both girls were upset a bit upset at the thought of having to talk to Clothwood about their time in that house. But Bridget, remembering the baby, tried to calm down.

Upon his return, he told them all of what else he had learned, including the name of some girl that had committed suicide rather than be shipped away as a sex slave. This was news to the girls and Bridget suspected that the men had shielded them from even more. When Jean told them that she knew the girl, knew her family, they all four resolved to go there immediately to give her family news on the outcome of their daughter.

The place was poor, very poor indeed. It looked as if a good strong wind would reduce the entire place to a pile of sticks. And the fact that ten of them lived in such a small place was appalling.

The woman that answered the door looked thoroughly used up by life. Between having so many children, the poor living conditions, inadequate food, hard work, and worrying about their daughter, the woman had not had it easy.

She invited them in and the room smelled of poverty. Her heart went out to the woman, about to find out that her child was dead. Subconsciously, Bridget's hand went to her belly to comfort the baby within.

The mother had that knowledge innate in all mothers that her baby was dead. But as she talked, they realized that the woman knew more. She knew the name of the man that had her taken.

Clarence Ferris? That name was vaguely familiar though not knowing politics and such, she could not tell anything as to who the man was.

As they got up to leave, she saw Joshua press something in the woman's hand and she suspected it was money. The Doctor bowed over her hand and Jean kissed the woman's cheek. Without trying, that left her alone with the woman.

Clasping the woman's hand in both of hers, Bridget told her, "I am truly sorry for your loss, Mrs. O'Donohue."

With sorrow in her eyes, the woman looked back at her. "Yer expecting a wee bairn of yer own, ain't ye?" Bridget nodded. "May Oi?" Again Bridget nodded and placed the woman's hand against where the baby grew inside her. The woman spread out her fingers and as she spoke, a warmth and peace seemed to envelop Bridget.

"Dearest Father in Heaven,
Bless this child and bless this day
Of new beginnings.
Smile upon this child
And surround this child, Lord,
With the soft mantle of your love.
Teach this child to follow in your footsteps,
And to live life in the ways of
Love, faith, hope and charity"

Bridget smiled down at the woman. "Thank you, and God bless you."

With tears in her eyes, the woman looked back at her. "God bless you too."

Once she stepped outside, the others looked at her, questioning.

"She just blessed the baby."

 

[cumnchat]

Back at the Manor Dougan was revelling in his role as practically manager of the estate, the hiring of workers and detailing them to various tasks. Carrie and Mrs Pendragon supporting him. He had been fortunate enough to find among the men from Isaac's house one decent fellow named Rodrick who is a treasure with animals especially the horses, he seems to talk to them and calm them when they are skittish, Dougan had placed him in charge of the stables as Head Groom.
Dougan's one worry though was Carrie who took the news of another four bodies very badly especially when she learned that one who they believed to be a girl named Esther had been with child. He had insisted that Carrie rest up and look after their own child that Carrie was carrying. Carrie was beginning to show now, her previously ample bosom growing even larger and her belly seemingly swelling every day. The one bright spot was that Carrie was even more affectionate than before and more or less demanded his attention every night. He was mindful of his size and bulk though and rather than mount Carrie as normal he used her back entrance which seemed to satisfy her although there were times when she confessed to craving his fingers inside her when he would satisfy her in that manner.

One evening he was doing his rounds when he heard girlish giggles coming from the stables, he knew that there should be no females alone in the stables for fear of them being injured by the horses. He investigated and smiled in surprise to find Rodrick leading a small pony round the stables on a short halter with Marie sat astride it, her skirts up around her thighs and blouse undone with her pretty young breasts bouncing up and down and she was giggling loudly as Rodrick stroked her plump rear..

"I was not aware that you gave riding lessons Rodrick."

Dougan tried to sound stern but his smile gave him away.

"'Tis not Rodrick giving the riding lesson Master Dougan this is Rodrick's way of thanking me, a ride for a ride you might say"

Marie's sheer exuberance and unashamed abashment made him smile even more.

"Very well but be sure that you do not overtire him, the pony I mean."

He turned and hurried to his room and Carrie,

"I am in the mood for some loving tonight Carrie."

 

[Opensesame54321]

The four of them walked back to the hotel in relative silence, each of them apparently lost in their own thoughts. Once back, they all seemed to be of one accord with Jean and the Doctor heading to their suite and Joshua and Bridget heading to theirs. Once the door closed, Bridget immediately turned into his arms, sad at having just crushed a mother's hope that her daughter may still be alive.

So many emotions ran through her at once. She was upset and scared at the news that Estelle's letter had revealed. She was sad for the poor Jean. Such an incredible woman to keep her Mother's death to herself. Perhaps Joshua knew of an answer to Jean's problem.

"Joshua, I need to talk to you. It's about poor Jean, and the Doctor doesn't know about it yet though perhaps she is telling him now."

For the next couple of minutes. Bridget told him about Jean's mother dying and her worry about her dad.

"Love, what can you do to fix it? Please, isn't there something that you can do?" She started trying all her feminine wiles on him in an effort to sway him. She started punctuating each word with a little kiss on his cheek after each word. "Please (kiss) dear (kiss), I (kiss) know (kiss) that (kiss) if (kiss) anyone (kiss) can (kiss), you (kiss) can (kiss)." She snuggled against him. "And I hope that you don't think that I have spent too much money at the seamstress shop. Some of the dresses are being shipped home as they should be for when I am bigger. Several dresses are to be delivered in the next couple of days. And one I have now that can be used now at night. It's just a wrapper, but I could wear it even after the baby. And I ordered one for Carrie to be sent to her. And we got several dresses for Jean."

She started worrying. "Oh dear, Joshua. Have I spent too much money? I'm sorry."

 

[cumnchat]

It was a silent sombre party that made its way back to the hotel each of them with their own thoughts on the plight of Mrs, O'Donohue and her family. Joshua had been generous with the money he had pressed into her hand but did not want her to feel that she was a charity case or that Mary's life was only worth what he had given her.

As soon as they were in the privacy of their suite Bridget came into his arms and he murmured softly into Bridget's auburn locks as she rested her head on his chest
"I know, I know 'twas an awful to have to do but her pain will lessen in time."

'Joshua, I need to talk to you. It's about poor Jean, and the Doctor doesn't know about it yet though perhaps she is telling him now.'

Sadness upon sadness poured down on him as Bridget told him about Jean's predicament.

' Love, what can you do to fix it? Please, isn't there something that you can do?'

" What can I do? I cannot resurrect Jean's mother, I cannot split Jean in two, one half with Leslie the other with her father."

Bridget though, was adamant that he do some thing, bringing all her feminine charms to bear, just falling short of offering herself to him if he would only do something.

' "Love, what can you do to fix it? Please, isn't there something that you can do? Please (kiss) dear (kiss), I (kiss) know (kiss) that (kiss) if (kiss) anyone (kiss) can (kiss), you (kiss) can (kiss).'

Joshua sighed resignedly he knew he was beaten, once Bridget had something fixed in her mind nothing would shift it and he was rather enjoying her kisses.

"Very well Bridget, I will think on it , no promises mind."

Bridget's face glowed with pleasure then she looked serious,

'
And I hope that you don't think that I have spent too much money at the seamstress shop. Some of the dresses are being shipped home as they should be for when I am bigger. Several dresses are to be delivered in the next couple of days. And one I have now that can be used now at night. It's just a wrapper, but I could wear it even after the baby. And I ordered one for Carrie to be sent to her. And we got several dresses for Jean. Oh dear, Joshua. Have I spent too much money? I'm sorry.'

Joshua took the receipt from Bridget's trembling fingers, glanced at it and thundered

"You think I am made of money? You must send them all back save the wrapper and two dresses for Jean."

Then he turned, all smiles," Just my little joke my love and not a very good one. I see that it upset you."

He wrapped her in his arms again and led her, unprotesting to the bedroom,

"To tell the truth though if I had my way you would never wear clothes again."

 

[Opensesame54321]

That night they spent a large portion of the time making love. He did seem to like the lavender wrapper, although he did seem to prefer her out of it, wearing nothing at all. During the night, when she got up to use the bathroom, when she climbed back into bed, a sleepy Joshua once again folded her into his arms, his hand resting over her growing belly. She smiled, feeling sure that he was just as excited about becoming a parent. She found herself often stroking the gently swelling space where the baby grew. Was it a boy or a girl? A little Joshua or little Bridget? They would soon need to start talking about possible names. But it was sweet the way Joshua seemed to always sleep with his hand over her tummy , as if offering protection to the little baby.

The next morning, Joshua was up early leaving her snoring in bed. After he and the Doctor left, Jean came in to help Bridget get dressed. The boxes arrived from the Seamstress and as Jean helped Bridget with her morning ablutions, Bridget noted Jean's thoughts were somewhere else.

"Worried about your father?"

Jean nodded her head. "Me Da 'as been out of work fer a wile. Leslie wants ta give 'im money, but me Da is proud. 'e won't take charity. It 'ad always been jest tha tree uv us."

"You have no brothers or sisters?"

"No. W'at do I do?"

"Well, don't rush into anything right now. Joshua and the Doctor are still investigating what's going on from this end. Everything will work itself out." She didn't want to tell the young girl that she had put a flea in Joshua's ear and was certain that he would be able to solve the problem that she had given him.

Jean glanced at Bridget's little start of a belly. "Oh, Carrie is bout a month and a half ahead uv yew, isn't she? Oi wonder 'ow big she is now?"

"I do too. I think that today I'll wear that new gold dress with the jacket. We'll see if Joshua likes it."

Bridget was resolved that when they met back up for their midday meal that she would let Joshua know the newest bit of information on Jean's father. Surely he could do something.

 

[cumnchat]

At lunch Bridget spoke again about Jean and her father saying that he was out of work and struggling financially but would not take money from Leslie when it was offered
being a proud man and not wanting accept charity.

"Hmm." Joshua mused, then his face lit up,

"I have it my dear, with Brian's agreement we can keep them together, all three of them. If my memory serves me right Jean mentioned that her father was a coachman for some time, we could use a coachman at Lexford Manor could we not?"

He winked at Bridget,

"Tell Jean to tell her father that I wish to speak to him at his earliest convenience."

Confident that he had earned some points in his favour he slid his hand under the table and Bridget's dress to the top of her stockings and stroked the cool silky flesh of her thigh.

OOC ;- To all our readers, there will be a break for a while as Sesame feels that she needs a break, hopefully not for too long. Please keep checking back, there are many dark secrets yet to be revealed.

 

[Opensesame54321]

Bridget gave her husband the facts about Jean and her father and waited to see if he could find an answer to their problem. Jean would have to return to England. They both were expecting to be interviewed by the authorities. That was something that she needed to ask Joshua just how she should answer. How much should she tell the man? This would be a conversation that they needed to have once they were in alone.

She kept quiet and let him think. Within a few minutes, a twinkle began to appear in his eyes as a smile tickled the corners of his lips.

I have it my dear, with Brian's agreement we can keep them together, all three of them. If my memory serves me right Jean mentioned that her father was a coachman for some time, we could use a coachman at Lexford Manor could we not?

She clapped her hands and grabbed his in delight. The wink he gave her told her that he knew he had solved the problem. He asked her to let Jean know that he wished to talk to her father.

The hand that reached through the slit in her dress as he caressed her thigh moved with sure knowledge of having been there many times before. It was up to Bridget to keep herself together. A secretive smile played along her lips.

In just a few minutes, the Doctor and Jean arrived. Jean looked adorable in her new dress. It was a sweet frock and the young maid was obviously happy to have it. Bridget knew that when she was able to talk to the woman that she would be even happier.

She wondered if Joshua had written to Estelle or the authorities back home to let them know about the information that they had discovered on this end of the problem. But now was not the time to bring the topic up.

The meal was very enjoyable, with each man making sure that his lady love was happy with her food. Despite that, Joshua and the Doctor managed to firm up plans on just what the two planned to do this afternoon. She knew that it was necessary but she was, after all, on her honeymoon and had hoped that there would occasionally be some romantic interludes other than their night time activities.

"If I may be so bold to ask, just how long are we staying here? Are there any other stops planned or are we waiting to see how other things play out? And when are we planning on returning home. I was going to write to Carrie, which I am sure that Estelle will have to read it to her."

 

[cumnchat]

In spite of Joshua only caressing Bridget's thighs under the table he could feel that she was becoming inappropriately aroused, squirming in her seat and taking gulps of air. It was not the done thing for a lady to climax at the lunch table so Joshua reluctantly withdrew his hand and made a show of having both hands above the table. Out of the corner of his eye he caught Bridget smiling secretively and hoped for some time alone with her in the afternoon so he could finish what he had started. Just a few minutes later Jean and Leslie arrived arm in arm , clearly besotted with each other, Jean wore her new dress, doing a little pirouette to show them all how pleased she was with it.

"Oi can't thank yew enough sorr, oi don't know how to repay yorr kindness."
Jean spoke in her soft Irish brogue that she had lapsed into, being back among her own kind.

"Think nothing of it Jean m'dear, just stop calling me Sir when we are not in company, Joshua will do nicely but if you wish to thank me properly a kiss on the cheek will be most welcome. I doubt that Bridget will object"

Joshua answered her kindly to put her at ease. Jean blushed prettily and rose came around the table and bent to kiss Joshua's proffered cheek. Just as she was about to place her kiss Joshua moved his head so she caught him full on the lips, Jean jumped back in alarm and confusion but Joshua roared with laughter, slapping his thigh.

"That, Leslie my friend is how you steal a kiss from a pretty young maid."

They all laughed seeing the playful twinkle in his eye.

With lunch finished Joshua and Bridget had to put their needs to one side as Leslie asked if Joshua would go through Ezra's papers again with him that afternoon to see if they had missed anything of importance.

Sensing Bridget's disappointment he spoke to her privately.

"I am so sorry my love, this business has overshadowed our honeymoon, we should be in bed right now celebrating our marriage, but from tomorrow the days,,,and nights are just for us, tell Jean to bring her father to see me at six o' clock but don't tell her why."

He gave her a big hug and a long lingering kiss before turning to follow Leslie, then he turned back,

"When you speak with Jean ask her about local beauty spots and order a lunch hamper for two from reception, tomorrow we are going on a picnic."