Seduced by the Squire (closed for cumnchat)

[Opensesame54321]

It had been nasty weather since last night, holding up the digging at Isaac's house. Despite that, Clothwood kept a presence of about 6 men at the house awaiting a break in the weather so they could resume digging. Estelle was a bit worried as many of the locals were starting to refer to that house as Murder Manor. She suspected that if he knew it, the whole thing would upset Joshua.

Clothwood had asked to meet with her at Lexford Manor in order to speak with her. Once they were ensconced in the study, she sat behind the desk and waited to see what was bothering the man.

"As you know, we are hampered by the rain so digging has been temporarily halted. That butler, Wesley, has been cooperative, though I suspect that there may be more that he has not told us as of yet." Estelle nodded, taking notes so that she could accurately keep Joshua up to date. Clothwood continued. "I understand that his brother, William, at one time worked here for Lord Lexford."

Estelle smiled, remembering how Bridget and Carrie had taken care of the butler and his wayward hands.

"Yes, as I recall, the man did work for Lord Lexford when he first inherited the manor. But the man attacked Miss Bridget and Joshua sent him packing. If William was working there, I suspect that he was also enjoying the girls."

Clothwood nodded. "I had suspected as much from just the couple of times I had talked to him."

Estelle could tell that something was bothering the man. "Is there something bothering you, sir?"

"Have you not heard from them at all? You have informed them of the happenings here, haven't you?" The man knitted his brow in frustration.

"Yes, I'm sure they have probably received the first letter, and a second one is on its way to them. I have received nothing yet, but as they are also on their honeymoon, that is probably why they haven't answered yet. As soon as I do, I promise you that I shall let you know what they have found out."

Again, the man nodded and gathered his gloves off the desk before he rose. "Now, if this rain will just stop, we will continue with the search. Good day, Mrs. Pendragon." He avoided calling her Widow Pendragon as the title somehow did not suit the woman.

Estelle watched from the study window as the man head out in the rain. Estelle was worried but she tried to put down the silence from Joshua to being in love.

*****

Bridget sat down at the desk and began her letter to Carrie. She missed the woman. Carrie was not opposed to saying things bluntly.

"Dear Carrie,

I cannot believe that I am getting to see a part of the world I never expected to see. The trip over was fairly quick and where we are staying is very nice. We have an entire suite as do Jean and the Doctor right next door to us. This place even has a new thing called a showering chamber so that you can have the water pour over you instead of bathing in it. Like standing in the rain, as Joshua says.

Jean has found her father and has been able to spend some time with him. The man is so happy to have been reunited with his daughter.

Jean and I went shopping for new clothes for me to wear during the pregnancy. Some I have now and some will be arriving there so if you will unpack the package and hang them for me I would appreciate it. Also, there should be a package arrive that is addressed to you. It is a gift for you, dear friend. I purchased one for me too as it will be useful in our present condition. I am now starting to show ever so slightly and Joshua is so sweet as he kisses my belly frequently and speaks to the baby. I do find that I have put on some weight and hope that once the baby comes I will lose the fat.

I miss seeing you and hope that you are holding up well handling the girls. I am not sure when we will be returning home but please convey my love and well wishes to everyone.

Your friend,
Bridget"

 

[cumnchat]

At six o'clock precisely Jean and her father knocked on the door of Joshua's suite, Joshua ushered them in smiling broadly, he poured them both a glass of wine.

"Ahh, there is nothing like a glass of good wine amongst friends, we are friends are we not even though you Jean serve my good lady wife she looks upon you as a dear friend. It is partly at her behest that I asked you both here this evening. It is plain that your feelings for the Doctor go far deeper than simply friendship, sometime soon we will return to Lexford Manor and speak to the police. This would leave you Brian to manage on your own with no income to speak of which would worry Jean making her very unhappy which I cannot allow. There is a simple solution to this, I require a coachman I can trust so if you are prepared to uproot yourself and come to England there is a home and work waiting for you,What do you say?"

Jean gasped and put her hand to her mouth in surprise and delight.

"Daddy this is the answer to our prayers, please say yes.?"

"I don't know,sounds like charity t'me."

"Rest assured Brian 'tis not charity, you will be worked hard, responsible for the upkeep of the tackle and coaches, you will be paid a reasonable sum, your room and board will be deducted before payment of your wages so you cannot fall behind."

"Well Sorr, yer make it sound so attractive and I'll be able t'see ma Jean and maybe walk her down the aisle one day. 'Tis a deal."

Jean squealed with delight and blushed at the same time at the mention of marriage.

"Thankyou Sorr, oi'd kiss you again but you may play that trick on me again."

"Did you find that kiss so distasteful? But your happiness is sufficient reward."

Joshua stood and shook hands with Brian and told him he would have several days to settle his affairs.

"Now I intend to find Bridget and see how much she wishes to thank me."

Joshua chuckled to himself and went in search of his hopefully grateful passionate wife.

 

[Opensesame54321]

Bridget had given Jean the instructions to have her father meet with Joshua at six. She had heard the knock on the door of the suite and had retired to their bedroom, slowly removing her dress and putting on her favorite new outfit, the lavender wrapper. The material was cool and comfortable, decently covering her so that she could wear it around the house without any part of her body being exposed that should not be so. And yet, it did not bind anywhere and should easily fit her and accommodate her growing belly.

There was a knock on the door and, thinking that it was Jean, she opened it to find the Doctor. She bade him enter.

"I just wanted to check to make sure that Mother and baby are doing well." He checked her over, finding that things were fine as he addressed some of her questions and concerns before telling her that an afternoon nap would not be amiss. After he left, she laid down on the bed, her hand protectively over where the baby grew.

"Don't worry, little one. Mother is here." She had not realized how tired she was as began thinking of baby names. If it was a girl, she would like to name the baby after her Mother. And if it was a boy, she was sure that there would be a family name that Joshua expected to use. She pondered over baby names as she quickly fell asleep, dreaming that she was holding her new baby.

 

[cumnchat]

Joshua found Bridget fast asleep on their bed with her hands protectively over her swollen belly, he didn't have the heart to wake her so he undressed and lay beside her and just gently kissed her cheek and drew her into his arms his hands covering hers as theylrested on her belly.
****
In the morning when he woke Bridget was still sleeping so he propped himself on one elbow and watched her sleeping. Her face so angelic and innocent looking. He smiled to himself as he thought of her in her moments of passion when she was anything but angelic, begging him to fuck her hard.
Eventually she woke and they cuddled and kissed before breakfast.

"We have the day to ourselves so we will have that picnic that I promised, there is a beauty spot with magnificent views of the lakes and mountains. I have a pony and trap arranged so we can drive ourselves, a lunch hamper should be ready for us, so shall we go?"
Joshua took her arm and they found everything ready for them. They set off at a gentle pace so as not to bounce Bridget around too much. Two hours later they found the perfect spot beside a pool and a small waterfall and the mountains rising in the distance.
They just lazed in the sunshine, moving to the shade of a large tree when it became too hot. The sunlight danced on the surface of the water and formed an enchanting rainbow in the waterfall. Joshua suddenly sat up and looked around,

"My goodness Bridget that water looks so inviting, I am going for a swim."

He peeled off his shirt then his pants until he was naked.
"There is no one else around, why don't you join me my dear?"

Waving away any protests he began to unfasten Bridget's blouse and skirt, with much giggling and half hearted protests until she too was naked. Laughing he led her to the water's edge.

"We must look like a pair of water nymphs Bridget and you know that water nymphs make love in the water, we must keep up the tradition."

He swooped her up so her legs were around his waist and waded into the water. Finding a rock under the waterfall he made love to her gently, squeezing and kneading her plump full breasts and suckling her ripe hard nipples. He spread her legs wide and the sunlight danced between her legs, her sweet pussy lips puffy and glistening with the juice of her arousal. He jokingly growled at her, "GRRRR!"
Then he bent his head and swiped his tongue from bottom to the top of her pink slit and finished with a suck and a kiss on her swollen clit.

"This is what you deserve for a honeymoon my love, not the trauma of the past few days."

They made love on and off throughout the afternoon until the sun dipped behind the mountains. They packed everything up and ensured that they were properly dressed, arriving back at the hotel tired but ecstatically happy.

"Sleep tight darling." Joshua murmured as he drifted off to sleep dreaming of Bridget and frolicking naked water nymphs.

 

[Opensesame54321]

She must have been more tired than she thought for she was surprised to find it the next morning and her love laying beside her, watching her sleep. She stretched and gave him a smile, pulling him close to kiss him. As usual, he pushed her on her back and slowly lifted the wrapper that she had slept in, first revealing her legs, then her sex. He gave the little mound a kiss, the heart shape that Carrie had trimmed no longer apparent, before laying a line of kisses up to that gentle swell showing where the baby lay. His hand was warm and gentle as his fingers spread out, caressing the baby that grew within her. His lips kissed it before he spoke low and lovingly to the baby inside her. Smiling, she watched him,not able to hear the words that he spoke to his future child. Stroking his hair, she told him, "In a couple of months, you shall be able to feel the baby kick and then, before you know it, he or she will be here. We should start thinking of names, you know, boy and girl names."

It was at times like this that Joshua seemed his happiest. They did not have sex, but rather lay in bed, cuddling and kissing, his hands exploring her as if it were the first time they had ever lain together.

Eventually they rose as room service delivered breakfast, and spent the morning dressing leisurely, with no sign of Jean or the Doctor, save the occasional muffled squeal from their suite so Bridget knew just what was happening there. Jean had given Joshua directions to a spot out in the country that should be perfect for picnicking and soon the were heading out in a trap, the lush green countryside rolling by. Everything was beautiful and they could not have asked for a nicer day, the sun kissing the gentle rolling hills of green. She rested her hand on Joshua's thigh as they rolled along for several hours until they reached a small waterfall tumbling into a pool of water. They set up everything near the pool, eating a leisurely lunch. Once the sun became hotter, the moved under a big spreading tree and enjoyed the day.

My goodness Bridget that water looks so inviting, I am going for a swim.

She gave a laugh as she watched him strip, his member already starting to rise at being freed from the constraints of his trousers.

There is no one else around, why don't you join me my dear?

She gave numerous reasons why she should not do so, but he ignored them, his finger suddenly nimble until she too was naked as the day she was born. Hand in hand they walked to the edge of the pool, Joshua's eyes twinkling at the thought he just had.

We must look like a pair of water nymphs Bridget and you know that water nymphs make love in the water, we must keep up the tradition.

She gave a delighted squeal as he picked her up and carried her. Her legs gripped around his waist, her wet slit pressed against him. He carried her through the water until the reached the waterfall where he placed her on a rock. The afternoon sun found its way past the waterfall as they spent the rest of the afternoon making love, slowly and passionately, until it was time to leave and head back to Dublin.

It was a nice trip back to the hotel. She was properly tired and watched the city getting closer in the fading sun.

"I left a letter to Carrie on the writing desk. Would you please be sure to enclose it in your letter to Estelle?" She leaned her head on Joshua's shoulder as they entered town. The lamps were already being lit as they pulled up to the hotel. Bridget was thoroughly tired and after a light snack in their room, she slipped into her wrapper and climbed into bed, with Joshua soon joining her, wrapping his arms around her and resting his hands on her belly.

Sleep tight darling.

She was quickly asleep, her dreams filled with babies.

 

[cumnchat]

Bridget's reminder to put her letter to Carrie in with his to Estelle reminded him that he had not written it yet because of his illness and everything else that had been going on so the next morning he told Bridget and Jean to go shoe shopping, all women enjoyed shopping for shoes did they not ? If they had not finished by lunchtime they were to eat at one of the many small restaurants.
He asked Leslie to sit with him as he wrote the letter in case he omitted anything of importance.

My dear Estelle,

Please forgive my tardiness in not communicating before but events have moved apace here. It was a stroke of luck that the very ship I chartered to transport us all to Dublin was the very ship and captain that brought Jean to England, she recognized him and was brave enough to tell us. With the help of Brian, Jean's father (who by the way is coming to England when we return, to work as a coachman} we destroyed the ship and its evil Captain along with it. In the process we rescued five more girls who had been abducted, they are now safely back with their families.
We managed to salvage the ship's log and some charts which have been most informative. We now know where the girls were put ashore and a nearby lighthouse called Bardsey. It should not be too difficult for the local constabulary to pick up a trail from there. There is also mention of another ship 'THE PEGASUS' that plies between Poole in Dorset and the North coast of Morocco which is well known for its slave trade so that could bear investigation.
One more thing that troubles us greatly concerns two apparent suicides by two of the girls, one is perhaps understandable as Captain Ezra took delight in detailing every atrocity he put the poor girl through one night, as she was being taken below decks she escaped and jumped over the side and drowned. The second one troubles me as we know her name, Mary O'Donohue, apparently she was requested by name by an unnamed person but previous to that she had worked as a nanny for a 'gentleman' in London but returned home after only one week telling her mother that he had treated her abominably and demanded that she sleep with him. Of course he may be innocent but seems an unlikely coincidence. The name too strikes a chord in my memory but in what connection I cannot remember, his name is CLARENCE FERRIS.

I hope that this is of some help at your end, we intend to remain here for a week perhaps two before returning home. Bridget is well and blooming beautifully, if there is anything you would like me to bring you please ask, a four leaf clover perhaps?

Your dear friend

Joshua

He placed it in an envelope and found Bridget's letter to Carrie placing that safely in the envelope and and sealed it, remembering to mark it 'MOST URGENT' in large red letters.

"That is our work for the day Leslie a glass of wine I think but not three bottles my ears will not stand another telling off from Bridget"

 

[Opensesame54321]

After a couple of days in bed, Carrie was much better, though she had to make a conscious effort to not think about the poor baby that never got a start at life. Just remembering being in old Isaac's dungeon gave her a sense of dread.

Dougan had gotten up early and would be surprised that Carrie was up and about, but she needed to do her job. The Master and Mistress were depending upon her. All these young ladies were depending upon her, too.

Just walking in the room where most of the girls were set off a hue and cry about how much she was missed and not to overdo things. But Carrie was pleased at how they had picked up the torch and, looking things over, found that the girls had handled matters beautifully.

"Ladies, Oi am very proud uv yew, awl uv yew. Yew 'ave proved ta not only me, but ta yerselves, that yew are able ta do anyfing that yew set yer minds ta."

The ladies all crowded around her, excited and chattering all at once. But one or two of them wanted to know what they needed to know to get a job like what she had.

"'ow many uv yew are int'rested in p'haps becomin' a ladies maid?" Several of the girls raised their hands. Carrie nodded and thought a moment. "Yew shood each fink 'bout just w'at kind uv job yew wood like to work t'wards. Oi can't guarantee it, but w'en Lord Lexford returns, Oi will talk ta 'im as ta w'at can be done 'bout that. Oi can't guarantee that awl uv yew can be kept on 'ere, but Oi believe that everyone shud 'ave a chance ta find sum kind uv proper werk ."

Some time later, Dougan showed up and the look he gave her told her that he was afraid that she was overdoing it. She patted her growing belly and assured her husband that everything was totally fine. Dougan gave her a kiss, a little more passionate maybe than if the Lord and Lady were here, but not too improper .

There was suddenly a great commotion, screaming and crying and Dougan and Carrie rushed outside to find some guy trying to drag one of the girls away. Eve was fighting back as hard as she could and as Dougan rushed forward to rescue the woman, there appeared some of the other men as well as the two officers that had been left to help patrol the grounds.

And, from the house came a group of the women, screaming and crying. The intruder saw the massive amount of people heading for him and turned loose of Eve and ran. But Carrie was surprised as the women instead ran up to Dougan, hysterical and pulling on his arm. She was not close enough to understand what they said, but apparently Dougan did as he suddenly called to one of the officers and they went running off in another direction. Carrie was confused, with people running and screaming in every direction.

Worried, she ran over to the group of women as they clustered around Eve. They were all crying and hugging the woman and it took a moment for Carrie to get their attention and ask, "W'ere 'as Dougan gone? W'at did yew tell 'im?"

Helen looked at Carrie, with tears in her eyes, told her, "Right after that one guy took Evie here, two more men ran in and snatched Bathsheba, saying something about how they had an order for her. Something about Bathsheba's new home."

Carrie's heart dipped to her stomach. This had all been a diversion. The real abduction was on Bathsheba.

*****

Dougan had managed to grab one of the officers as they headed for the stables to get some horses. As they quickly saddled horses, Dougan told Rodrick what had happened. Rodrick quickly saddled a third horse and they took off, trying to follow the trail that the men and Bathsheba had left through the woods but soon it gave out and all they were left with was a set of tracks from a carriage or wagon leading off down the road. They had no idea just who the woman had been taken for, but as the three men headed back to the house, Dougan was determined that he would not lose any more women to whoever it was doing this. This man had to have plenty of money and power if he could afford to hire all these men and make them all afraid of talking once they were caught.

Once back at the manor, Rodrick took two of the horses back to the stables while the officer left to go inform Chief Magistrate Clothwood as to what had happened and ask for more men. Dougan had to go give Carrie the news and then he was going to have to talk to the men about what they needed to do to improve guarding the women. Estelle was not going to be happy with this either when she was told. The one saving grace was that they had at least caught the man that had used Eve as as a diversion. They now had 3 men, and none of them willing to talk.

 

[cumnchat]

When Bridget and Jean returned from their shoe shopping expedition they found Joshua and Leslie playing cards with two portly Englishmen. It appeared that Joshua and Leslie were having a run of good luck as the gold pieces were stacked in neat piles beside each of them. It had transpired that the two gentlemen were councillors in their local constituency and were on a fact finding mission about something they seemed to have forgotten as they spent their days either in the bar or playing cards.

Seems our luck is out today Algy," as he lost yet another hand and slammed them down in frustration.

"I wonder if Clarence is having more luck in finding a new Nanny after the last one ran off after a week, she were a pretty little thing and from Dublin if I remember right, Mary, yes that was her name."

Joshua's ears pricked up at this and he looked at Leslie who also was taking an interest in what was being said. Casually Joshua asked,

"Who is this Clarence you speak of? Hiring a Nanny,
he must be a man of some means, does he hire different ones regularly?"

"Clarence Ferris, 'e's our local Member o' Parliament, loaded 'e is, goes through Nannies and maids in no time an' always young pretty ones too."

"How does he find them? I would imagine a busy man like him would use an agency of some kind."

Joshua tried to keep the excitement out of his voice, he could be on the verge of a major breakthrough here.

"'E does, tried to get me interested once but their fees were astronomical, 'sides missus wouldn't allow it."

"What was the name of this agency I may give them a try, as you can see my wife is with child and I cannot attend to all her needs though Lord knows I try. Our companions help but when we return home She will need a personal maid."

Joshua lied through his teeth but grinned at Bridget when he mentioned attending to her needs.

"It'll come to mind in a moment Joshua, it's something like 'Good Women',,,, no no that's not it, er ,,,,er... I have it, ' Needed Ladies', they have an office down Shaftesbury Avenue."

"Thankyou so much gentlemen, you have been most helpful, so helpful that I would feel quite guilty if I walked away with your money so let us say we we were playing for fun"

He got to his feet and walked quickly to the post part of reception
"Has the post gone yet? Please say it has not.

"No sir, not yet."

"Thank the Lord, I must make an addendum to my letter. "

He found his letter and tore it open and scribbled at the bottom.

"New information come to light C.F. Uses agency 'NEEDED LADIES' Shaftesbury Avenue.'"
He found another envelope and sealed it as before and marked it as MOST URGENT'

He went back to the group and grinned from ear to ear.

"A fine afternoon's work, now do you have any pressing needs Bridget?"

He playfully pinched Bridget's bottom.

 

[Opensesame54321]

Estelle was furious! Not at anyone in particular, but at how things had turned out. They had been played for a fool, with the diversion a success, at least from the oppositions viewpoint.

Dougan had immediately sent for her, and she had arrived about 2 minutes before Clothwood. They were both shown into the study where Dougan and Carrie were waiting to bring them up to date on the recent happenings.

"Apparently, the first guy grabbed Eve and when she started screaming, we all came running. While we were trying to rescue her, two other men came in from the other direction. The women said that the men grabbed Bathsheba specifically, saying something about they had an order for her and that they were taking the woman to her new home."

Clothwood nodded, taking notes in a little notebook. "My man tells me that you followed their trail but it became muddled on the road where they apparently got in a carriage or wagon or something like that." Dougan nodded and Clothwood appeared thoughtful for a moment.

"Just how did they know where the women would be housed? Someone that knows the layout of the house?"

Carrie spoke up. "T'at could easily be old William. 'e wuz rite angered w'en tha Master let 'im go. Is 'e locked up?"

"Not locked up, but he's not supposed to have access to others. It seems that my men have been rather lax in their duties too. Heads shall roll over this." The man looked rather grim over bit of news but seemed to realize that the other three in the room may be taking his words as aimed personally at them. "I'm not blaming you. My men are supposed to be professionals."

Dougan proceeded to talk to Clothwood about how they had changed procedures about guarding the grounds. Clothwood could only
give them one more man, meaning that they now had three officers plus the men that had been rescued from Isaac's. Now, there would always be one officer and one other man that would be guarding the women and they were not to leave the women unwatched, no matter what happened.

Clothwood needed to get back and interrogate the newest man that had been caught. In the meantime, he told them the bad news.

"We have uncovered another body, bringing the count to nine. Ten if we include the baby. I am hoping that we will soon come to the end of this. Isaac Crabbe has been a blight on this community. And he had to be working with someone with a lot of power to have gotten away with this for so long. Now, if I can just get one of the men to talk..."

"Just yew find Bathsheba and rescue 'er!" Carrie was adamant and Clothwood nodded and, looking grim, told her, "That we will, Missus."

 

[cumnchat]

Joshua and Bridget were engaging in an amusing game of role play with Joshua playing the lecherous squire while Bridget was the virginal kitchen maid although Joshua roared with laughter and pointed to Bridget's swollen belly each time she protested that she was a virgin. As was intended Joshua won the day and they were both naked with Joshua buggering Bridget's pale backside.
They would not have been so happy if they had known of the happenings at Lexford Manor, but as the saying goes ' Ignorance is bliss."
Suddenly Joshua tensed and became very serious,

"We must return home as soon as we can my love, I feel that all is not well, I had a feeling of dread come over me, I must go and find us passage home as soon as possible."

He dressed quickly and left for the shipping office leaving Bridget bemused and naked still on her hands and knees.

"TOMORROW AFTERNOON? Is that earliest you can manage?" Joshua was so disturbed that he was rude to anyone who could not or would not help him.

"I suppose that will have to do but if you find ANYTHING before then let me know."

He returned to the hotel and informed Leslie and Jean of the sudden change in plans telling Jean to inform her father that he could make his own arrangements but that Joshua would cover any expenses. He made his way back to his suite and spoke sheepishly to Bridget,

"I am so ashamed, I spoke to a gentleman at the shipping office as if he were not good enough to lick my boots, I must apologize to him on the morrow. I must also apologize to you leaving you as I did."

 

[Opensesame54321]

Bridget was so happy as she and Joshua played sex games in their bedroom in the suite. And his amusement at her obvious pregnancy each time she proclaimed her virtuous nature tickled her too. He had her naked on all four as he buggered her, when he suddenly stopped, shouted something about how they must return home, and hurriedly dressed and left.

Somewhat surprised, she slowly climbed off the bed and slipped on her wrapper before going around and starting to pick up things that would need to be packed for the return home. She hoped that everything would fit in the trunks as they were definitely leaving with more than they had arrived with.

She was putting things together when Joshua returned, an apologetic yet still worried look on his face.

I am so ashamed, I spoke to a gentleman at the shipping office as if he were not good enough to lick my boots, I must apologize to him on the morrow. I must also apologize to you leaving you as I did.

She smiled at him. "As long as you do not make a habit of it." She then turned serious. "So, when do we leave? I hope that it is not immediately for I shall never find..."

A knock on the door stopped Bridget in mid thought and she crossed to open it, finding one of the reception clerks out in the hall.

"A thousand pardons, Lady Lexford." The man spoke with just the slightest trace of an Irish brogue as he gave her a sharp bow. "This arrived just after Lord Lexford passed through the Lobby. As it was marked 'URGENT' I thought that I should bring it up to him."

"Thank you. That was very thoughtful of you. One moment please." She walked back into the setting room and handed Joshua the envelope. She recognized Estelle's handwriting and felt something like dread touch her. "I need a tip for the clerk that brought this." Joshua reached in his pocket and handed her the money and she walked back out to slip it in the man's hand.

"Thank you very much." The man gave her another sharp bow, then turned to leave. When she returned, Joshua was reading the letter, his face quite pale. She waited until he looked up, though his eyes seemed to not see her.

"Bad news?"

 

[cumnchat]

' Bad news? '

Bridget's enquiry shook Joshua back to reality as he held the letter limply in his hand. His premonition, feeling of dread, call it what you will had manifested itself in the letter. How could he break the news to her? Keeping it from her was not an option, if she had to know it must come from him.

"Sit down Bridget, the news is worse than bad, it is distressing, Something has happened at the Manor, nothing that we can change, what is done is done."

He realised immediately that Bridget had thought of Carrie and hastened to reassure her.

"No it does not concern Carrie she is well, but another body has been discovered along with three others, identification is not yet confirmed but it is believed one to be that of Esther, it has also been confirmed that she was with child, at what stage I don't know but it must have been the early stages as she was not showing any outward signs of her condition. I am so sorry my darling, this must be a terrible shock to you, as it is to me and everyone concerned"

He sat alongside Bridget and tucked her head to his shoulder, brushing away the tears gathering in her eyes. Instinctively his hand covered hers that rested on her swollen belly.

"I have booked us passage to England, we sail at four o' clock tomorrow afternoon, I will just inform Leslie and Jean and then return to you."

 

[Opensesame54321]

Sit down Bridget, the news is worse than bad, it is distressing, Something has happened at the Manor, nothing that we can change, what is done is done. No it does not concern Carrie she is well, but another body has been discovered along with three others, identification is not yet confirmed but it is believed one to be that of Esther, it has also been confirmed that she was with child, at what stage I don't know but it must have been the early stages as she was not showing any outward signs of her condition. I am so sorry my darling, this must be a terrible shock to you, as it is to me and everyone concerned

A poor baby! She collapsed onto the settee, her hand instinctively protecting the baby inside her as she began to cry. Joshua was quick to come to her aid, having her lean on him as he comforted her. She felt for the poor girl. A girl who was expecting a baby, whether or not she knew that she was pregnant. A girl that had been kidnapped and forced into sexual slavery by a despicable man.

I have booked us passage to England, we sail at four o' clock tomorrow afternoon, I will just inform Leslie and Jean and then return to you.

He quickly kissed her and headed next door, taking the letter with him. No doubt to let the Doctor read it.

He found her still there where he had left her, still crying. She was definitely upset and the rest of the evening, Joshua needed to console her. He just held her in his arms, stroking her hair and kissing the top of her head as he talked calmly to her, comforting her, giving her his love. He obviously knew that this was not a night for sex and she eventually fell asleep in his arms, her tear streaked face pressed against his chest and his hand protectively across where the baby lay. But her dreams were filled with dead babies. And she tossed and turned throughout the night.

 

[cumnchat]

It had been a restless night for Joshua, he held Bridget lovingly in his arms as she tossed and turned, occasionally crying out in fright.

"Shhhh, my love, our little one is safe, no one will harm him ,,,,,,, or her, whichever it may be."

He was shocked and sorry but deep inside was an anger that gnawed at him, for Isaac had been of his blood, his family and he had heaped shame on the name. He knew he could not do anything to change that but he resolved to find and punish or see that the instigators of the whole terrible business were punished even if it ruined him. He had been poor before but Isaac's money could be put to better use than him indulging himself with luxuries he didn't need.

He made sure he didn't wake Bridget, thinking that letting her sleep would be best for both her and the baby. Quietly he went about packing the necessities for their journey home. He went to reception and asked to speak to the head of the hotel Housekeeping. He explained that they were having to leave at short notice and didn't have the time to pack everything so if it could be arranged for what was left behind to be forwarded to Lexford Manor at the Hotel's convenience. The housekeeper was most obliging and assured him that everything would be done as he wished.

"Your lady wife is a beautiful young lady Sorr, and we all wish her our very best with the little one she's carrying"

Joshua smiled and thanked her, trying to keep a tear from his eye. Bridget was awake when he returned, sitting up in bed, her eyes red and swollen from crying.

"You must rest Bridget, the journey is long and arduous, thankfully we have Leslie travelling with us, I am sure he will agree with me."

The rest of the morning was spent settling his account and a brisk walk which he took alone. Eventually it was time to join the ferry at the dockside. As they crossed the gangway Jean hesitated, apparently nervous about setting foot on a ship again. Leslie took her arm and helped her take the first few steps. Brian, her father was also there to see them off and promised Jean he would join her in a few days.
Slowly the ferry made it's way out to sea, the setting sun spreading a glittering , sparkling carpet across the sea.
Joshua stood behind Bridget with his arms round her and his hands gently stroking her belly,

"Beautiful is it not? Almost as beautiful as you."

He kissed the back of her neck.

 

[Opensesame54321]

The night had been full of wicked dreams, dead babies and an evil Isaac, laughing at her. It had been some time since he had visited her dreams and the only thing that soothed her was Joshua as he held her and calmed her.

She knew not when he got up and left. The light rapping on the bedroom door gently roused her and Jean's soft voice broke through her sleep. The sweet thing took one look at her mistress' face before scurrying to fetch the Doctor. He checked her and the baby over and told her that she needed to calm down, if not for her sake then for the sake of the baby. As Bridget's tears began again, he gave a draught to Jean to prepare for Bridget, assuring the woman that it would in no way harm her baby but would at least calm her down a bit. Under the Doctor's watchful eye, Jean administered it, telling her he would inform Joshua as to what he was doing. But he was afraid that the baby was being unduly stressed and felt that a calmer mother would be best.

Both Jean and the Doctor were gone by the time that Joshua had returned to their room. Though her eyes were still red from crying, the draught was starting to take effect, calming her down.

You must rest Bridget, the journey is long and arduous, thankfully we have Leslie travelling with us, I am sure he will agree with me.

She dozed off, somewhat aided by the calming effects of the draught. Having finished her own packing, Jean returned and quietly packed her lady's items that she could while the Master was settling things.

Bridget was softly awaken by Jean, informing her that she needed to get ready. The woman had left out what had become one of Bridget's favorites of the new dresses and had made sure that at least the new clothes for her pregnancy had been packed, leaving some of the older clothes that had belonged to Lord Lexford's mother to be shipped home.

It was a sad and solemn group that traveled through the city streets to the dock. Bridget no longer cried, now calm with a slight smile. The medicine seemed to have done the trick and no more should be necessary unless her tears should return.

Jean's father saw them off with promise of his soon arrival at the manor and all too quickly the four of them were heading back home.

Bridget watched the land gradually grow distant, with Brian waving until they could make him out no more. Joshua came up behind her, wrapping his arms about her and her swelling belly. She leaned back against him, feeling safe and loved in his arms. She knew that he would protect her, even kill for her. Sometimes late at night, she wondered if he had killed Isaac. Killed his cousin for torturing her. She would not, could not fault him if he had though she would never hurt him by asking him for the truth.

He nuzzled her neck before resting his face against her ear, speaking soft and low.

Beautiful is it not? Almost as beautiful as you.

As he kissed her neck, she smiled.

"Joshua, I love you."

The crossing back seemed quicker and they were soon closer to home. Gone was the happy feeling. The jokes seemed somewhat hollow as they were that much closer to the atrocities that awaited them. Bridget became a bit quieter, the thought that she would soon be questioned about Isaac and having to reveal the horrible things that he did to her. Reveal what she had seen.

Even Jean became a bit nervous, frowning at the thought of having to talk about what she knew about that house and the evil man that had lived there.

Bridget watched as Holyhead grew closer until the movement on the dock could be distinguished as individuals. Her grip on the railing was tight and when Joshua took her hand, she didn't notice his reaction as her fingers dug into his arm nor the look that passed between her husband and the Doctor. Jean too had grown quiet and both men could tell that their women harbored some anxiety at what was to come.

Bridget felt if she could just get the questioning over with, things would be better.

 

[cumnchat]

Once they had docked it was only an hour before they were on their way, the four of them crammed into a small horse drawn carriage that bounced and swayed seeming to find every rock or pothole in the road. Joshua held Bridget close to him trying to alleviate the discomfort. It was a long journey not helped by the narrow mountain roads they had to climb to traverse the dark hills of Wales. Morning came, a pale watery light through the miserable drizzling rain. Joshua had dozed when a sudden lurching of the carriage jerked him awake, Looking out of the mud spattered window he was relieved to see landmarks that he recognised, the broken down windmill atop Grace Hill and a little further on the cottage where Bridget had taken refuge. Soon Lexford Manor was in sight and Joshua gave a groan of joy as they clattered into the courtyard.

They were greeted by a young man around Joshua's age and peeking around the door to his quarters Joshua recognised Marie who had tried to seduce him.

"Welcome home Sir, I'm Rodrick your head groom, we weren't expecting you for a few days at least Sir but oi think you'll find everything to your satisfaction, You'll be wanting to see Mrs. Pendragon no doubt."

He broke off to call over his shoulder.

"Marie, you little trollop put some clothes on and go fetch Mrs Pendragon, tell her the Master is home."

"While you're at it Marie fetch Carrie and Dougan, tell them only that their presence is required in the courtyard." Joshua added as Marie hurried to make herself decent.

He looked inside the carriage where his companions and Bridget were still sleeping quietly.

"I doubt it will be quiet for long once Bridget and Carrie are reunited."
He smiled and muttered to himself.

"Coachman, take yourself to the kitchen for some hot tea and breakfast, and don't mind the girls, they'll flirt with you something terrible"

He smiled, despite the circumstances it was so good to be home.

 

[Opensesame54321]

The suddenness of the procurement of a carriage to take them home seemed a contrast to the trip to Ireland. What had started out as a trip of excitement and laughter, was now stressful and uncomfortable. Bridget left everything in her husband's hands, thankful that he was there. The Doctor and Jean sat across from them as the carriage bumped along the rough roads. Joshua did his best to protect her from being slung around the carriage interior as they traveled throughout the night. She didn't know how or when she fell asleep, and the draught that the Doctor had given her before they left Holyhead may have helped her finally sleep.

*****

Carrie was finishing her dressing. She playfully swatted Dougan's hands away from her swollen belly.

"Away wif ye. Yer not 'elpin' me eny!" She laughed.

The pounding on the bedroom door put a quick end to the teasing. Dougan opened the door to find Marie standing there, out of breath.

"Both of you are needed out in the courtyard." Dougan gave her a curt nod of thanks and then quickly helped Carrie finish dressing.

"Yew fink it could be Clothwood?" Carrie was worried. They must have found something at Isaac's house.

Carrie was a bit slower heading down the stairs but she could see that something was going on by the bustle downstairs of the girls. Stepping out in the courtyard told her what it was. She let out a squeal of delight as she saw the carriage and the Master standing beside, helping a very tired Mistress down. Jean stepped into her role, stepping behind Bridget, ready to help.

Bridget was still a bit dizzy from the hasty trip and the draught and she fell up against Joshua. Without another word, he picked her up in his arms and proceeded to carry her up to the master bedroom. Carrie was worried, but Jean assured her that it was just because of the quick trip home.

Jean and Carrie followed along behind and once Joshua placed her carefully on the bed, Carrie and Jean ushered him out of the room.

"We'll let 'er git a bit uv rest. It's the baby that's tired 'er out. She'll be jest fine after a little nap."

The women soon had Bridget in her wrapper and gently snoring in her bed. Leaving Jean to get Bridget's traveling trunks unpacked, Carrie went in search of Dougan. She was sure that the honeymoon had been cut short in order to take care of the problems here at home. And Joshua would not know about Bathsheba's kidnapping, though she was sure that he would be finding out about it from Estelle. And they had probably sent for Clothwood.

She hoped that they had been able to find something out in Ireland, as they had not heard anything from them until now. Oh, what a mess this all was.

 

[cumnchat]

Joshua's heart sank as Estelle filled him in on Bathsheba's abduction,

"Have you had any luck on tracing where she might have been taken?" Joshua asked hopefully.

"I'm afraid not but I have a theory. Two girls that we know of have been abducted to order, their names and location known to the abductors, is it not possible that these girls were known to whoever ordered them? If so they must have met these girls at some point. It is unlikely that they would order a particular girl without having seen her, in the case of Mary we know this to be correct as she worked for Clarence Ferris before she was abducted. Bathsheba had been at Isaac's for about three months so it is likely that she met him there, we need to find out who visited Isaac in that three months."

"I believe you may be right in that assumption Estelle, excellent thinking. The girls may be the best place to start as they seem to know everything that went on, Perhaps if you interviewed them with a view to ascertaining who visited Isaac and if they had any contact with Bathsheba."

"I'll start right away Joshua, let us hope we get no red herrings."

*******************

A little later Clothwood was shown into Joshua's study with a thoughtful frown on his face. The two men warmly shook hands and settled into their chairs.

"May I call you Joshua ? Sir or My Lord seems so formal."

"Of course, and what shall I call you?"

"Daniel will be fine Joshua, first though I have some disturbing news, there are rumours and they are rarely without foundation, rumours that our investigation is to be closed down, due apparently to the lack of money and progress."

Joshua started from his seat in anger,

"YOU CAN'T DO THAT!! We have already cut off one of Medusa's heads and others will follow. What about the other poor girls must they remain buried because of a lack of money? How do YOU feel about this?"

"Unfortunately Joshua my opinion doesn't count for much but I feel there is an organised gang, society, call it what you will and if we stop now it will grow another head. IF I am forced to close the operation there is nothing to stop me from working freelance on your behalf."

"Thank you with all my heart Daniel I think we will make a good team."

Just then a knock came at the door and Estelle came in looking excited,

"I think we may have something, several weeks ago a 'gentleman'came to visit Isaac staying only one night but that one night he was given Bathsheba for his entertainment, the next few days she was in tears at what he had done to her, but the best news is his name was ,,,,,,,,,,, CLARENCE FERRIS."

 

[Opensesame54321]

For a moment, she was confused as to where she was before the bedroom door opened and an obviously pregnant Carrie entered and smiled at her. She rushed to Bridget's side, tsking and clucking over her like a mother hen before she hugged Bridget to her.

"Oi understand, 'oney. Jean told me all about it. W'en Oi first 'eard 'bout it, Oi took ta me bed fer two days cryin'. It's tha t'ought uv that baby. But t'en yew realize t'at t'ose girls deserved better tew, an' yew pull yerself together an' do w'at 'as ta be dun."

Bridget nodded and threw back the covers. As Carrie helped her up, Bridget put out a hand to stroke Carrie's larger stomach. "Why Carrie, you are getting fatter." She teased.

"As are yew." Carrie teased back. Suddenly, Carrie's eyes grew wide as she clutched her stomach.

"What is it, Carrie? Shall I get the Doctor?"

"No, bless ye. Tis but the baby kickin' ta get me attention. 'ere, give me yer 'and." Bridget reached out and soon the two of them were laughing at the faint thumping from Carrie's baby. Carrie couldn't wait to let Dougan know that the baby had just given his or her first kick. She swore Bridget to secrecy as she wanted to be the one to let him know.

Once Carrie had her dressed and looking refreshed, Bridget asked Carrie if she knew where Joshua was. Carrie informed her that she believed that he was in conference with Clothwood about what had happened. Carrie spent the next five minutes telling Bridget about Eve and Bathsheba. Bridget shook her head. "I think that it is time for me to behave as Lady Lexford, not as Bridget Sweetwater. Carrie, I want to talk to the women here."

Off the two women headed where the women were busy. One of the things that Bridget wanted to check was that Marie could avoid pregnancy if she wished.

 

[cumnchat]

They knew that Ferris was their man and Clothwood put everything in motion to apprehend him. He gathered a group of six constables to surround the house where Ferris lived. Clothwood and Joshua marched up to the front door and demanded entry. The maid that answered the door seemed relieved to see them and from the way she was dressed in a very low cut blouse and skirt with slits to the waist it was apparent that her duties extended far beyond that of simply being a maid.
She showed them to his study and motioned with her head,

"'E's in there, make sure 'e pays."

As they entered Ferris was servicing another young woman who was bent over his desk with her skirt lifted over her bottom and being sodomised in spite of her pleas.

"What the fuck do you want, can't you see I'm busy?" He snapped.

""Mr. Clarence Ferris you are under arrest for the suspected abduction and abuse of young women."

Clothwood announced as he pulled Ferris from the depths of the young girl's rear and allowed her to cover herself.
Joshua stepped forward and told her,

"It's all over now my dear, this animal will not bother you again."

She looked at him in disbelief her eyes wide with fear still.
Joshua turned his attention to Ferris who was protesting his innocence.

"Where is she? Where is Bathsheba, we know you have her here somewhere,"

Clothwood ordered a thorough search of the premises but nothing was found until one of the four girls they found there mentioned the cellar that had a hidden door.

"The one you are looking for is most likely down there, it's where he keeps the new ones until he breaks them and he knows they won't dare leave."

Once they knew the door was there it was easy to find and using the bunch of keys in Ferris's desk they opened it, the stench was appalling and covering their nostrils they ventured inside to find Bathsheba and another girl naked and chained to the wall with heavy metal bands round their necks. They were filthy, unwashed for days but otherwise apparently unharmed. Again the bunch of keys provided them with the means to free them. Bathsheba collapsed into Joshua's arms unmindful of her nakedness until blankets were brought to cover them.

"Oi never thought oi would be so glad to see another man,
Oi 'ave to thank mother nature for saving me from the worst of 'is attentions this time, 'twas fortunate that me monthlies arrived the very same day oi wuz teken"

Joshua smiled for the first time that day, imagining the disappointment on Ferris's face when he discovered Bathsheba's condition.
They agreed that all the women in the household should go back to Lexford Manor so Clothwood would have them on hand when he wanted to question them.

It was a happy party that returned to the manor that evening although noses wrinkled at the smell of Bathsheba and the other girl who had not spoken a word.

 

[Opensesame54321]

When the wagon arrived, Carrie and Bridget ran out to discover six girls huddled in the back, with blankets wrapped around them to hide their lack of clothing or skimpy attire. They were both overjoyed to discover one of the naked girls was Bathsheba, and the girl cried out in joy at seeing the two women.

The stench that covered them was appalling and immediately Bridget called for the women's quarters to have the wash tubs filled with clean hot water, and more to be prepared in readiness. As Carrie and Jean were escorting the girls to the woman's quarters, Bridget headed to the kitchen to inform Cook that food should be prepared. And that an additional eleven mouths would need to be fed, so that not only the six additional women, but Chief Magistrate Clothwood and his men would be fed. She stopped a young man and told him to set the tables in the dining room similar to when they had the wedding dinner. Easier to feed everyone in one large room.

A steady stream of young men and ladies formed a sort of line to get the hot water upstairs and into the tubs and some of the other ladies were pulling together clean, decent clothes for the ladies to wear once they themselves were clean. Neither Carrie nor Bridget were allowed to lift anything, and they worked to make sure that all the ladies were taken care of before Bridget slipped back down to check with Cook. Cook told her that everything should be ready in about 30 minutes.

Bridget thanked her and headed off in search of Joshua and Clothwood, finding them once again holed up in the study. She knocked on the door and waited until she heard Joshua's reply before entering. She smiled at them.

"Congratulations, gentlemen, on a successful campaign." She turned to Clothwood. "And thank you, sir, for bringing Bathsheba back and rescuing the other girls. We are very appreciative of all that you and your men have done. Cook informs me that the food will be ready in less than 30 minutes, and we are including you and your men. We would be most honored if you would all sup with us. It is the least we can do to show our appreciation for all the hard work that you and your men have been doing through this whole ordeal."

Bridget smiled at him as he thanked her and then turned and left, closing the door on the two men. Seeing a young man sitting, resting on a chair in the hall, she crossed to him and he sprung up, apologizing for sitting.

"Nonsense! You were tired and needed a rest. What is your name?"

"Perkins, ma'am. Ah, my Lady. Ah..."

She smiled and shook her head. "Do not worry about it. Perkins, when you have caught your breath, please ride to Doctor Brady's house. Do you know where that is? Good. Tell him that we have some new girls that need to be checked over and could he come as soon as possible? Thank you Perkins."

She smiled as the young man bowed and then took off on his mission. She then headed to the dining room to get the tables set up and set for the meal.

 

[cumnchat]

Joshua and Clothwood remained in the study discussing the problems they still faced, Joshua faintly heard Bridget speaking to someone by the name of Perkins, a name he had not heard before but then there were so many new faces and he had been away a while so it did not really ring any alarms and he forgot all about it.

"So what do we do now Daniel? we have Ferris praise the Lord and I imagine the Agency in Shaftesbury Avenue is next to be raided?"

"If only that were so Joshua, I received written instructions not an hour ago to close the investigation immediately. Any investigating we do from hereon will be as private individuals and if we step outside the law we are liable to prosecution possibly prison."

"How can that be? We are closing in all the time, who is the fool who ordered this?"

"Joshua, the 'fool' who ordered me to close the inquiry is THE LORD LIEUTENANT OF THE COUNTY, he holds the purse strings and is in overall charge of the police."

"Can we not appeal against the decision? If not, would your most trusted constables work on the case if I paid them myself?"

"That also is a dangerous route to take Joshua, charges of bribery could be brought, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, BUT,,,,,,,,,, if no money changed hands they would be doing it as friends, I have three men that I would trust with my life and it is quite possible that we may have to do just that before this is over."

"You,, you mean that you and they would work for nothing? I owe you a great debt Daniel."

"Don't count your chickens Joshua, there is a lot to do,
one of the first is to find out all we can about Ferris's friends, acquaintances and yes,
I think his relatives. They do say that blood is thicker than water"

Joshua felt that a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders and went in search of Bridget to give her the news and of course enquire about her health and that little one growing inside her. He met Bridget on the stairs making her way down for supper. Hooking her arm in his they joined everyone for a joyous supper.

 

[Opensesame54321]

Bridget checked on everything and headed upstairs to let the girls know that the meal was ready. As she started down the stairs, she met Joshua heading up, apparently looking for her. His hand lovingly rubbed her gently swelling belly as he gave her a kiss. Then tucking her hand in his arm, he smiled as he escorted her down to dinner.

It was a full crowd that slowly filled the dining room, with everyone milling about to find a seat. She noted several seats left vacant and knew that two of them were for Perkins and the Doctor.

"I know that two of these vacant places are for Doctor Brady and Perkins. I sent the young man off to summon the Doctor to join us." She wished to spare the young ladies so recently rescued the embarrassment of mentioning that she wished him to check their health. She noted that the five girls were grouped together in solidarity as they obviously enjoyed the food now filling their plates. Bathsheba was sitting with her friends once again and casting appreciative eyes across the table at one of the officers that had a hand in rescuing her.

"Perkins? Which one was he?" She heard Jean ask Carrie. Carrie's mouth was full and she just shook her head, not knowing. Feeding two required concentration and the food was delicious.

 

[cumnchat]

"Of course I'll examine the girls from Ferris's den of iniquity, you can never tell what they might have contracted."

Leslie answered the scrawny looking man who had been sent to him to ask for his presence. He was happy to go as he would be with Jean.

Leslie smiled to himself with the thought of surprising Jean.

" Perkins it is presumptuous of me I know but could you get the trapreadied for me?"

Of course Sir you being a friend of the Squire an' 'is lady wife." Perkins touched his forelock and went to prepare the trap.

Perkins returned just a few minutes later.

"All done sir, if you'll excuse me I will not return with you I have some business to attend to."

"You do as you wish my man and thank you for attending to the trap."

He set off to the Manor leaving Perkins standing watching him thoughtfully stroking his chin.

***************************

An hour later Perkins stood in front of his Master,

"I don't really have anyfing to report Sir, I tried to eavesdrop on the squireand Clothwood in his study but that bitch of a wife caught me and sent me on an errand to the Doctor's, they wanna check all the slutty trollops for diseases"

"I sincerely hope they don't find any, I would hate to think that any of my establishments harboured diseases such as you suggest"

The voice was imperious, accustomed to being obeyed and Perkins shuffled uncomfortably.

"Of course they will be clean Sir, Master Ferris was most particular about that, he had them scrubbed thoroughly when they wuz brought up from the cellar."

"The man was a fool, I told him that when he asked for the Dublin girl to be taken for him and the other one, just because he had taken a fancy to them. It wouldn't surprise me ifthat is how they discovered him. What does concern me is how Clothwood moved so quickly and I had no inkling of it. You can go now and keep your eyes and ears open."

Perkins slunk away, backing out of his Master's presence.

 

[Opensesame54321]

The doorbell ringing told Bridget that the Doctor and Perkins had returned, though if Perkins was with him, then why ring the bell. Dougan quickly rose to answer the door and Jean looked at the vacant seat beside her. In a few moments, the Doctor entered the dining room while Jean quickly rose and crossed to him, leading him to the empty place beside her.

"Welcome Doctor. We have come to look upon you as one of our family, and as such, wished you to join us in our celebration of the return of Bathsheba to us." She knew that the Doctor was professional enough that he would not bring up the addition of the new girls. He would have plenty of time to check them over after the meal.

Jean blushed and beamed, her hand slipping under the table to hold his hand. There was a general outburst of laughter as Marie said something that only a few of those near her heard, and Bridget smiled, glad to have everyone gathered around. She looked towards Chief Magistrate Clothwood, smiling her thanks. She was sure that Joshua would probably raise a toast to Clothwood and his men.

She glanced around the room looking. "Doctor, didn't Perkins come back inside with you?"

"No, he told me that he had an errand to run. I came here alone."

"Errand?" Perhaps someone else had sent the young man on an errand. He had been waiting outside the study. Perhaps Joshua had...

"Actually," the Doctor corrected, "I believe that his exact words were 'some business to attend to'. Nice young man."

Bridget looked down to where the five new girls were sitting. One in particular seemed overwhelmed by everything - the food, the people, and the noise. She resolved to ask one of the girls to befriend the young thing and make her really feel welcome.