Masters And Lovers 1-4
Chapter 55
Between courses of the spectacular meal, nature calls. I rise from the table. “Ummm…”
Michael points out of the room. “Down the hall and on the left. I’ll show you. Heading that way myself.”
In the bathroom, “Michael, am I missing something? Elizabeth and I are here today at James’ invitation, but Charlotte seemed uncomfortable at first. At least until he made it completely clear to her what his intentions were.”
The blond man shuffles on his feet.
“Is it me?” I say. “Have I done something to offend?”
“No,” he says quickly, zipping up. “It’s not you.”
“What then?”
He rubs at his forehead. “The fact is…. that our relationship with Charlotte has had its ups and downs. And some of the downs were very down.”
The sound of laughter echoes down the hall. He glances toward the dining room. “Look,” he says. “I’m happy to have this conversation with you sometime. But not today, eh?”
“I understand. But you’re sure everything is alright with Charlotte?”
“The way she’s been knocking turkey back? Yes, she’s fine. Have fun.” He grins and winks.
*****
The pudding is a spectacular experience. James brings it in, dressed with holly and resplendent on its silver tray.
“Homemade?” I ask.
“Of course.”
He places it in the centre of the table, takes the brandy bottle as though to pour it over, then offers it to Charlotte. “Would you like to light up?”
She grins, glugging the bottle over the pudding. Michael chuckles. “Hey, take it easy, Charlotte. We all need to be able to stand upright afterwards.”
James offers her a lighted taper. Taper in one hand, bottle in the other, she applies both to the pudding….
With a wooomph, yellow flame leaps upwards, spreads across the ceiling in a starburst, then drops back down again to burn sedately over the pudding with a pale blue glow. The air is scented with alcohol, apples, cinnamon and nutmeg, and just a touch of caramel.
James gives her a look and her head drops. “Sorry, Master.” But he is suppressing a smile, and so is she.
Michael’s voice is dry. “Better get that ceiling repainted hadn’t I, then….”
*****
“Another brandy, Richard?” James offers the bottle towards my glass.
“Later perhaps.”
Not too much alcohol….
cocks a brow in question. I reply with
in conversation, discussing
shell structure.” She holds it up to the light, pointing
meet Michael’s eye. He smiles, nods and I head-point him
his hand to Elizabeth and
ahead of us, exiting the dining room. James strolls by my side as we move along
enough for Charlotte not to pick up my words. Nonetheless, her lips quirk as I say to James, “Is
eyes slide side-long to mine. “He had a frustrating morning. I think Beth will be getting the benefit of that
can sympathise with
*****
casting a flickering golden light over otherwise dark stonework. The fire has clearly been burning for some hours, but just
sconces scattered around the chamber, adding their dancing light to the warm glow from the
She too is smiling. There is nothing in her of the confusion and uncertainty of the first
Does she want him?
wide-pupiled.
Yes, she wants him….
the lips
turning her to face her blond, blue-eyed beau. My palms on her, I feel no tension; only a growing tremble
looking forward
clothes,” I
drop to hers, then follow her hands as she unravels the belt
the laces at the back. In fact, it was one of the reasons I chose the dress. She
fumbles at the back of her neck, Michael stretches around her, tugging the laces free and the dress slides away from her, the silky fabric pooling at her feet before Michael picks
is in her underwear; a green
finish undressing
make her undress for
would arouse
rest,” I
unfastens her bra and slides down her panties, then quivering, stands naked to face Michael. His eyes are soft on her but judging by the ridge in his pants, it’s
my lovely submissive. “Now,” I say, “on your knees
her as
Is she alright?
Perhaps wait a moment…
Just in case…
to kneel head bowed, but instead, she’s looking up. Michael’s smile is easy
they’re comfortable with each
James and Charlotte, Michael
look of great
and offering