3 comments/  8053 views/  1 favorites

Elizabeth 02: Revenge

By: YDB95





Elizabeth 02: Revenge



So haunted was Elizabeth with the memory of Tamara -- even as the night's delights awaited her -- that when at last she opened the door to Jonathan's cozy flat, she had quite forgotten that he knew nothing of what had transpired at the baths. Just as she had hoped, he had just completed his dinner and was busy with washing the dishes. "Elizabeth!" he called out joyfully, and he wiped down his hands with a dish towel to greet her at the door with a warm embrace. His fair hair and lithe figure had rarely looked so inviting to Elizabeth as at that moment. "My word, you're frozen!" he exclaimed as he released her. "I'd best add a log or two to the fire."

"I'd love that, thanks," replied Elizabeth, slipping off her cloak and shoes. 

"Have some wine?"

"I had plenty with dinner, thanks. And speaking of which..." Elizabeth pointed to the water closet with a grin.

"You must have had a brisk walk home, then," Jonathan chuckled from the bedroom, where he loaded the fresh log into the fireplace.

"It was either that or have Iron Bladder Irene tease me yet again!" Elizabeth said. They were both laughing quite hard as Elizabeth shut the water closet door behind her. Only then, in the privacy of the tiny room as she was tending to her most urgent need, did Elizabeth recall that her true love did not know of the afternoon's misfortune. Jonathan had heard many of her horror stories, though not all -- there was no need to share every last one, after all -- and he would surely sympathize. But Elizabeth did not want his sympathy at that moment, only the deep and abiding love they had developed between them over those past few months. He, after all, idolized the very characteristic that Tamara had so tried to inspire Elizabeth to hate. And it was that love that she needed just then. 

After washing her hands, she opened the door to find Jonathan waiting to follow her lead. "I drank rather a lot of wine with dinner too," he said. "Chilly night and all that."

"No need for excuses with me, darling," she reminded him with a smile as she emerged back into the flat. Refreshed and alive with desire, Elizabeth relegated Tamara to the back of her mind for the night. Revenge would be sweet, but now was no time to dwell on that. Rather, she went into the bedroom to wait for Jonathan. 

His bedroom was small, but ornately decorated with the mildly feminine style that had lately gained such currency among the more refined young men of Westfordshire City. The earth-toned floral print wallpaper was mellow against the electric lamp on the nightstand, and Jonathan's knickknacks from his university days crowded the mantelpiece neatly. He had lit the fire in the bedroom's fireplace while she was in the water closet, and the narrow but lovely chamber was now warming pleasantly. Elizabeth's bedroom, in a mansion out on the edge of the city, comprised her entire living quarters and was of course much larger than Jonathan's; but she chose to see his little room as cozy rather than tiny. Of course, being with Jonathan nearly always made her feel cozy. She could only hope their hearts and loins would continue to burn so hot for one another once the weather warmed up, but it did not seem possible to her that they wouldn't. 

As the room was now warming up nicely and she was rapidly overheating with desire, Elizabeth removed her bodice and skirt and stood before Jonathan's full length mirror in her undergarments and stockings. Her fluffy dark hair was a bit frizzy from the cold but vivacious enough, her breasts were pert as usual in their ornate lacy brassiere, and the black stockings hugged her long legs gracefully; but once again Elizabeth was bothered by the way her panties failed to contain her lady-garden. It looked to her like a wild erotic animal struggling to escape. Deciding she preferred the free look and feel just then, Elizabeth slid the panties off. The abundant hair was matted from its restraint, but that was nothing a few brushes through with her fingers wouldn't fix. Then she curled up barebottom on the bed, still wearing her brassiere and stockings, to wait for her true love. 

Jonathan was still fully clothed when he opened the bedroom door, but Elizabeth looked confidently at his well-tailored trousers in anticipation of the bulge she knew she would inspire. As usual, she was right. "Well, good evening!" he exclaimed with a salacious grin as he admired Elizabeth. As usual he made no effort to hide his delight with her huge bush, and as usual she was thrilled with his love of the feature that had inspired such intense loathing in her younger days. Though she had long since overcome the abuse and learned to love her natural beauty on her own, the love and admiration of another -- especially one as lovely in his own way as Jonathan -- meant all her suffering at the hands of Tamara and others had not been in vain. 

Elizabeth stretched out on her back with her legs spread in invitation, and Jonathan eagerly accepted. As he dove upon the mattress and grabbed gently at her stocking-clad legs and buried his face in her pubes, there was no further worrying about Tamara. "Ohhhhh, Jonathan!" she called out lustily, arching her back as his tongue found her eager clitoris and sent shockwaves throughout her body. "Oh! Oh God, Jonathan..." Feeling his warm breath on her vulva, she drew up both knees and wiggled them as the intense pleasure radiated everywhere. Instinctively she reached out to search for his hands, but he was already moving them up to her still-confined breasts. Finding them, he rubbed gently while his kissing down below grew harder and faster and Elizabeth's grunts grew louder. She arched her back and humped at his face, longing for yet more or for release of the tension or both; in the heat of the moment she could never be sure just what she was after. One thing she was sure of was that she was absolutely uninhibited in the embrace of her Jonathan. This was what made monogamy so worthwhile: no other would know how to touch her in just the right way, and with no one else would she feel so safe and open in her pleasure. As for Jonathan, his own shyness and reticence about her body -- charming in a way on their first night together -- were now wonderfully gone. 

"Uh, uh, uh, uh...gahhhhhhhh!" Elizabeth pushed her head back against the pillow and screamed without shame as Jonathan's caresses and licks sent her off into the throes of orgasm once again. Waves of relief and relaxation washed over her as she felt Jonathan sit back up. She didn't need to open her eyes to know he was admiring her body as she savored the lingering tingles of orgasm. Next she felt him pulling her stockings off, one by one. "Mmmmm," she moaned in approval. "Feels good to get those off."

"You hardly need them to keep warm in here, do you?"

"Not with you around, I don't," Elizabeth teased. Now nude but for her brassiere, she found herself uncomfortably aware of its presence as she so often was when wearing nothing else. She sat up and reached back to undo the clasp, and was greeted with the welcome sight of Jonathan undressing at the foot of the bed. He had removed his pants and drawers first, no doubt feeling confined by them, and Elizabeth welcomed the sight of his hard cock standing out straight and pointing at her as he unbuttoned his shirt. "Well, we know what it wants, don't we?" she said with a breathy chuckle. 

"And I think I know what wants it," Jonathan replied. 

"It would appear," Elizabeth agreed, reaching down to stroke herself in anticipation. She was not surprised at all to find her vagina was almost embarrassingly wet. Almost; but nothing embarrassed her with Jonathan, and she could scarcely wait to welcome him into her body. Eagerly she propped herself up on the pillows behind her and spread her legs again as Jonathan climbed back onto the bed. He was well-hung but nearly hairless down below, in sharp contrast to Elizabeth; and once again she was amused at how the unlikeliest of opposites could attract. Only the lightest sprinkling of pale blond curls garnished his lovely cock, but Jonathan had never shown any sign of discomfort at being less-endowed than she in that respect. As usual she admired his body but wasted little time examining it as she took him in her hands and guided him in.

"Ohhhhhmfff..." Both their moans were muffled as their lips met, and Elizabeth thrilled to the taste of her own intimate juices on his breath. He ground eagerly into her and soon had her once again worked up into a delightful lather of tension and anticipation and sensation. She savored the longed-for feeling of him deep inside her and wiggled her legs as if to draw him in even further, and rubbed his bare sides with both her hands as their mutual passion mounted towards the point of no return. 

Jonathan was as attentive as he was handsome, and as usual he had little trouble in bringing Elizabeth to another delightful climax just before he let fly with his own. Though still in the throes of her own orgasm, she felt an added bit of titillation at the awareness of his spurting. Still catching her breath, she threw her arms around him and rolled him over onto his side. "Heavens, I needed that," she whispered, nuzzling up close against him as nasty memories of the afternoon now bubbled up again.

"It was cold today, wasn't it?" Jonathan said as he reached his free hand behind him to turn off the bedside lamp. "But this was a fine ending to it."

Oh good heavens, Jonathan didn't know! Elizabeth now recalled that in the heat of the moment, she still hadn't told him about Tamara. Feeling his arms around her now in their warm dark room, with only the glow of the fire illuminating their wonderfully private space, she knew she could tell everything and he would be perfectly supportive. He knew of her past, and how the lush lady-garden he loved so much had inspired such harsh attacks and so much misery back at school, and she knew he was always dependable for support and reassurance when the nasty memories surfaced. But after such a wonderful encounter, Elizabeth did not care to be a victim. Why worry about the past when the present was so delightful? 

So she held her tongue. "Yes, certainly," she pretended to agree with him. "So cold. But that's when we're best at this, isn't it, darling?"

Jonathan was soon fast asleep, and Elizabeth followed not long afterward. 

Chapter 2

She nevertheless had every intention of calling Irene for lunch the next day, to continue their discussion as to what might be done about Tamara should she remain in the city. But like the best friend she was, Irene took the lead and invited Elizabeth first, and Jonathan as well to boot. "I was sure you'd want to discuss our plans, dear," she said in lieu of a greeting when the pair arrived in the café at Miles Department Store. "Hope you didn't mind my presumptiveness in making lunch plans for us all."

"Hardly!" Elizabeth concurred, kissing her friend on the cheek and passing over in silence the fact that she was again wearing trousers -- black ones under a sheer white blouse, a delightful mix of the old and new. Elizabeth herself had chosen a dark red dress, the most cheerful color she felt comfortable in wearing with spring still so many weeks off, but that day she needed the cheer. 

"And what plans are these?" Jonathan asked as they settled themselves at their table. "What diabolical schemes are the two of you up to now?"

Before Irene could spill the beans, Elizabeth took matters in her own hands. "Jonathan, something happened yesterday that I did not wish to discuss with you last night." Though she was addressing Jonathan, she looked at Irene as she said it.

"Oh, Elizabeth, I'm sorry if I've revealed too much here," Irene said. "I just assumed..."

"It is quite all right, Irene," Elizabeth reassured her. "Jonathan and I keep no secrets, and I had every intention of telling him soon enough. I simply did not tell him last night because the mood was not right for such unpleasant news."

"It rarely is when the two of you are alone, I am sure," Irene said with a naughty smile.

"Are one of you ladies going to explain to me just what has happened?" Jonathan demanded, looking concerned. "Elizabeth, if you are in trouble of any sort, of course I want to know everything and right away."

"Jonathan, I am sorry," Elizabeth said. "This must all sound horribly frightening to you, and I assure you it is not. The only trouble I am in is that, yesterday at the baths, Irene and I met someone who provided an unpleasant reminder of my school days." 

"One of the girls who used to bully you," Jonathan said matter-of-factly. 

"I thought you had not told him!" Irene said.

"I haven't," Elizabeth confirmed. "This is simply another example of how well Jonathan understands me!" With that she gave his hand an affectionate squeeze and smiled at him adoringly. When she did, she saw that he was looking quite agitated. "Oh, Jonathan, don't be so concerned as that. I am a big girl now, and she can hardly expect to hurt me so again."

"She hurt you once, though," Jonathan said, "Or really it sounds like many more times than one. Darling, I hate to think you had to come face to face with any of those monsters even once more, especially at the baths when you were no doubt naked. Is that correct?" Elizabeth and Irene both nodded, and he went on. "It just fills me with outrage, when I think of all the self-loathing they inspired in the one I admire above all others in this world."

"Jonathan, my past is hardly that tragic!" Elizabeth exclaimed, hiding for the moment her delight at his support and concern. Turning to Irene, she added, "Perhaps you can assure him, it was not all so horrible as that!"

"I'm afraid I can't, Elizabeth," Irene said, pouring tea for all three of them. "I've heard at least as many of your stories as he has, and I've seen the pain in your eyes as you recounted what those girls did to you. And most of all, I saw your reaction last night when you learned it was Tamara we had seen. Anyone who loves you can see she did real damage, and it will do you no good to throw up walls like this with your two dearest friends."

Elizabeth looked on silently and considered Irene's words as she picked up her teacup. The first sip had to wait, for halfway to her lips she set the cup back down in its saucer and burst into tears. She buried her face in her hands and did her best to imagine there was no one at any of the surrounding tables to see and hear as she lost control and wept. Jonathan quickly put an arm around her and gave her his handkerchief, and Irene apologized profusely for her bluntness. But Elizabeth shook her head as she dried her tears and straightened up again. 

After a long drink of water, she spoke. "No apologies necessary, either of you," she sniffled. "You are quite right, Tamara and her friends treated me horribly and it did cause lasting hurt for me. I was humiliated in ways no one should ever have to experience, and I was inspired to hate my body with a passion. I believe I have told you both how I loved my...you know what...even after I learned I was unusual. I loved the way it looked and the way it felt."

"Yes, you've told me," Jonathan said.

"And me as well," Irene confirmed. 

"I never imagined anyone should find it repulsive or objectionable, until Tamara and her friends saw me in the gymnasium. But ever since that day, I have never been fully at peace with myself about my body. Whether it was fierce hate or defiant love, whether it was the girls teasing me and me punishing myself with cutting and shaving and hiding in my clothes in the bath, or me showing it off at the baths, or curious lads at the bar eyeing me after someone had told my secret, this absolutely meaningless distinction has always been something that defined me. Even now, with a man who doesn't just tolerate my natural state but loves it, somewhere back there in the corners of my mind I'm still Gorilla Lady. And it's all down to Tamara, who is still out and about enjoying her life and probably never caring just how much rage and misery she inspired in me." 

Her tea now cooling, Elizabeth gulped it down and poured another cup. Jonathan followed suit and offered Irene some as well, but as usual she was still on her first cup. At last Jonathan spoke up. "It's perfectly fine to admit you were hurt, you know."

"It does feel better to say it out loud," Elizabeth admitted. "I prance around the city knowing people whisper about me in dark corners and never letting on that I am anything but proud of my individuality, and I am proud of it. But there is a reason why I feel the need to act so confident about it all. And as you both see, there is some bitterness beneath the giddiness."

"And surely you fancy doing something about it now," Irene said. "That's nothing Tamara doesn't deserve, after all."

"Indeed," Jonathan agreed, "And recall, darling, I know a little bit about being humiliated over something that private."

Elizabeth laughed, and was grateful for the change. "Yes, we might well have never met if not for that."

"So I hope you will do us both the honor of letting us participate in your revenge," Jonathan continued. 

"I may have to insist," Irene said. "I should be ashamed of myself to stand for seeing my friends' deepest hurt go unanswered." She waved at the waiter for another pot of tea, Elizabeth and Jonathan having already polished off the first one, and continued. "Now what have you in mind for your revenge? We did toss about a few ideas last night, didn't we? I hope you don't mind, Jonathan."

"Not at all," Jonathan reassured his cousin. "When she arrived at home, we had...other things to discuss." Elizabeth laughed and felt her face turning red, and Irene felt another twinge of envy. 

"I would be most gratified," Elizabeth said, "If Tamara were to experience both the public ridicule she subjected me to, and some of the same physical discomfort as well. Remember, it wasn't just that they shamed me about my body, they also inspired me to try to change it, and I endured a lot of unpleasantness as well because of what I was doing. Itching and scratching and burning and cuts in places no one should ever have to feel them, and worst of all were all the times I kept my underpants on in the bath and had to sit in wet skirts all afternoon in the classroom. To this day, I associate Latin with damp loins and thighs. And not the good kind!"

"Imagine going about in soaked underthings in this cold!" Irene remarked. 

"And having others know all about it to boot," Jonathan added. "There must be a way to make it happen."

"I wonder what, though," Irene said. "Surely we can think of something, can't we?"

Lunch was served shortly after, and the trio spent the meal considering various ideas. Nothing was settled, but Elizabeth felt somewhat better by the time they were done, just for having talked about it with her closest confidantes. As they settled the bill and stood to return to work, Jonathan raised his water glass for a final sip. "Here's to wet underpants," he quipped with a grin.

"Speaking of which," Irene teased, "Don't the both of you want to make your usual visit to the water closet before we return?"

Elizabeth and Jonathan looked at one another, each with an embarrassed grin. "I was not going to comment on it in your presence, Irene," Elizabeth said, "but yes, I'm quite desperate."

"As am I," Jonathan admitted. "Shall we, dear?"

They shared a laugh and were off to the water closets, arm in arm. Irene sat back down to wait, feeling a bit guilty for having embarrassed them, but jealousy outweighed guilt. Just how deep in love were the two of them, that even weak bladders were something they could bond over? She wanted so to be happy for them both, but it all seemed so unjust that she should be alone in these bitterly cold months after having played matchmaker so well with them! 




Elizabeth 02: Revenge



Her jealousy was soon set aside, though, when dapper Benjamin Townshend entered the dining room. A regular at the men's baths and the pubs where Irene and Elizabeth often went for drinks after a bath, he had caught Irene's eye several times with his wavy dark hair and impeccable manners. More than once she had found herself imagining him sharing her bath or her bed while enjoying herself alone at home, and of late she had come to hope for a drink and a dance with him as soon as the opportunity presented itself. 

Benjamin was looking particularly adorable today, in a dark suit and freshly shined shoes. Irene sat up straighter and hoped to make eye contact with him, but he was looking back into the cloakroom as if waiting for a friend. After a moment, Irene's heart sank again when she saw she was right: he'd been waiting for none other than Tamara, who now appeared on his arm in a prim, crisp dress. The two made their way into the dining room, laughing together at some comment Benjamin had made, and paid little mind to anyone else they passed. 

Irene began to turn away lest she be noticed...and then abruptly changed her mind. She didn't deserve to be lonely any more than Elizabeth had deserved to be abused, and hadn't she just encouraged her best friend to strike back? Irene stood up, straight and proud, and stepped into the aisle just in time to meet them. "Benjamin!" she said. "How lovely to meet you here."

"Ah, Irene, hello." Benjamin shook her hand. "Haven't seen you at the pub lately."

"It's been a bit cold for going out at night," Irene said. Thinking his clothes looked strikingly new up front, she asked, "Did you get that suit tailored at Drake's? I use them too." That was another advantage of wearing pants: a source of small talk with men.

"Yes, I've always been fond of his work," Benjamin said. "I didn't know he did women's clothing as well, but those do look great on you."

"Well, thank you!" Irene turned now to Tamara, wondering if Elizabeth's nemesis recognized her best friend. "Sorry, hello, I'm Irene."

"Forgive me!" Benjamin exclaimed. "Yes, Tamara, Irene is a teacher at your old school, I believe." To Irene he added, "Tamara has just moved to the city after several years abroad, and I'm helping her look for jobs at the moment."

Tamara squeezed Benjamin's arm. "Now, that is not all you are doing with me and you know it, you silly boy!" Turning to Irene, she added, "Don't men always have to keep such a distance!" The two women made eye contact, and Irene was relieved to detect no recognition. 

"Yes, well, in any case," Benjamin cut in diplomatically. "Irene, I believe Tamara and I are both going to the baths this afternoon, perhaps around five, and then we're planning on dinner at the pub. Perhaps you'd like to join us?"

"Wouldn't miss it for all the world, Benjamin," Irene said, managing to keep her tone calm while her heart was flying high inside. "I'll meet Tamara at the baths, then?"

"Certainly," Tamara said with a smug smile, looking impatient for her lunch.

"Oh," Benjamin added, "Feel free to invite Jonathan and --"

Irene faked a loud sneeze. "Sorry, my dears! Yes, of course, Benjamin, I will invite them as well."

"Splendid, then," Benjamin agreed. Tamara had by then taken it upon herself to flag down the hostess for a table. "I guess I'd better not keep her waiting any longer," he said, and the pair were off to a corner by the window. 

Irene continued along to the cloakroom, and was ready and waiting with her coat and hat when Elizabeth and Jonathan emerged. They were, she realized, clearly in the midst of more strategizing. "I just wish I could think of a way to corner her," Elizabeth said. "But that's going to be quite a trick."

"Maybe not," Irene called out.

"What do you mean?" Elizabeth asked.

"Let me assure you I am not teasing you here," Irene said gently. "I mean this in the greatest sincerity. Elizabeth, Jonathan, I do learn the most remarkable things while waiting for one or both of you to wee."

Chapter 3

The trio made their plans on the walk down the high street before going their separate ways back to work. Irene and Jonathan would be at their respective baths a bit before five to ensure they would be there to greet Tamara and Benjamin (Irene longed more than ever for just one glimpse inside the men's bath!), while Elizabeth would be fashionably late. This would ensure that Tamara would witness her usual unabashed entrance to the ladies' bath. The afternoon thus passed rather slowly and frustratingly for Elizabeth, for her thirst for revenge was unavoidably tempered by apprehension at having to actually spend time with Tamara, and in the nude no less! But she knew she would regret it soon enough if she missed the chance, and so she longed for the plan to get underway. 

Five o'clock did eventually arrive, of course, and Elizabeth locked up her office as usual and boarded the streetcar for the baths. A few familiar faces looked knowingly at her as she took one of the few remaining seats -- other ladies who were also on their way for relief from the bitter cold. Normally at such a time she welcomed the camaraderie, for she had always been tickled at the knowledge of which of her fellow passengers would soon be soaking privately alongside her. But today, she had to force a smile as she thought of the vulnerability she was putting herself into just now. 

That, though, made her feel stronger and more defiant as the streetcar ambled toward the baths. That inner sanctum, and the celebrity she enjoyed within it, had been the greatest remedy to the lingering memories of the trauma Tamara and her friends had subjected Elizabeth to in her most tender years; she would not let Tamara destroy that wonderful comfort for her now. By the time they reached the stop for the baths, Elizabeth's usual confidence had returned, and it was with a cocky grin that she stood up to exit. 

Maggie, from the florist's shop, was among the other ladies on their way to the baths. As they stepped down from the streetcar, she asked Elizabeth, "Say, I heard an old friend of yours paid a visit here yesterday? That must have been a treat!"

"Yes, and as I understand it she will be joining us again this evening," Elizabeth said as they entered the lobby. I missed her yesterday, so it should be most interesting to see her this time." Truer word was never spoken!

Maggie was among Elizabeth's unabashedly curious admirers. Elizabeth knew the type well, casting furtive glances down below as she undressed, trying not to be obvious but usually failing, a rare case of discomfort in a place where she was proudly exhibitionist. So, both to save Maggie the trouble and to put herself in the randy mood that would make coping with Tamara so much easier, Elizabeth followed Maggie to the locker room and made a point of choosing a locker near hers to provide an uninhibited view. Maggie flashed a nervous smile at Elizabeth, as if she knew, which perhaps she did. This was of little consequence to Elizabeth. "I can hardly wait to get in that water!" she exclaimed to Maggie, as she kicked off her shoes and untied her dress sash. "It's a wonder I ever get out of the pool when the weather is this frigid, don't you agree?"

"Oh, I do," said Maggie, who like Elizabeth was now down to her underwear and stockings. Clearly grateful for her vantage point, she enjoyed the view as Elizabeth stepped out of her panties. Elizabeth had traditionally saved the best for last, but her mixed feelings about the way she looked in panties had led to her removing them first. Maggie clearly enjoyed the show as Elizabeth finished undressing with her legendary lady-garden already on full display. Elizabeth basked in the appreciative attention; it was just what she needed for what was soon to come. 

Maggie was a bit quicker in locking her belongings away. "I shall see you in the water," she said with a last admiring look at her friend. Elizabeth nodded her agreement and took just a bit longer setting her stockings neatly atop her shoes and underwear than she really needed to. No sense in putting off the inevitable, she knew; but that could not stop her from trying. 

As usual the door made its inimitable squeak, and as usual Elizabeth was unashamed and unabashed as she stepped into the pool chamber. The numerous welcoming smiles this time included Maggie and Eunice and half a dozen or so other regulars, and of course Irene. And at Irene's side, clearly forcing a cordial smile at Elizabeth's arrival, was Tamara. Her reddish brown hair was a bit matted from the humidity and wet as the ends bobbed in and out of the water, but coiffed just as stylishly as it had always been back at school. Beneath the water, Elizabeth could see her dainty little sprinkle of pubic hair, looking like a teenage boy's moustache just as it had back in school. And her eyes had the same condescending gleam Elizabeth had known so well for so long.  

Elizabeth managed to mask her contempt when their eyes met. "Tamara!" she exclaimed with the most radiant fake smile she could muster. "Lovely to see you! I heard you were in town."

"Hello, Elizabeth," Tamara replied, an arrogant look of victory in her eyes as if she saw through her old nemesis' act. "Irene here was just telling me the pair of you are tight friends."

"The tightest," piped up Lindy, a boisterous regular who had played a bit part in forging Elizabeth and Irene's friendship. "We rarely see one without the other."

"They're the belles of the baths," added Eunice. "And I'm afraid they know it!"

"I see that," Tamara said. "I must say, I admire all you ladies' comfort with your nudity. It is not something a country girl like myself is accustomed to!"

"One does get accustomed to it," Irene told her. "Indeed, in this nasty weather one can get addicted to it."

"Too right," agreed Lindy. "When it's cold and gloomy outside, it's always steamy in more ways than one in here!"

"We're glad you and Elizabeth were able to meet up today," Eunice chimed in, oblivious as usual to the full state of affairs. "The two of you just missed one another yesterday."

"I know," Elizabeth said, still feigning joy at the reunion. "We actually did cross paths in the locker room, and I said to myself, 'I wonder is that Tamara?'"

"I, on the other hand, knew beyond any doubt it was Elizabeth," Tamara chimed in. "No one else looks quite like her naked, after all."

An uproar arose, and Elizabeth swallowed her fury -- she had to admit that her hairiness was a frequent topic of conversation in the baths and that normally she did not object. To do so now would betray her secret, after all, and so she pretended to laugh along with the others. 

"That is true, Tamara," Irene added when the laughter had died down, "But Elizabeth knows we all adore her self-confidence in her uniqueness."

"We certainly do," added Eunice. "She is an inspiration to us all to embrace our individuality."

"Yeah, and the men love it too," Lindy piped up. "The hairy ones are the horny ones, and all that."

"Oh, good heavens, Elizabeth, have you ever heard that from a man?" Tamara asked. "Really?"

"I've heard it, and I've repeated it," Elizabeth said proudly. "And it's true."

"Worked like a charm for her, too," Lindy said with a knowing nod. Eunice for once was aware of the danger and touched her on the arm, and Lindy was silent. 

"Well, that's pleasant to hear," Tamara said. "Back at school I think Elizabeth struggled with her condition, frankly, as though it were something to be ashamed of rather than a harmless aberration. I am relieved to learn my dear old friend has at last made peace with herself, then."

Elizabeth's blood was boiling. Irene reached discreetly under the water and held her hand in solidarity. Elizabeth squeezed back and managed to keep her temper under control. 

"I never knew that," Eunice announced, "And I have known Elizabeth intimately for years. Which of us are not awkward when we are very young, though?"

"Thank you, Eunice!" Elizabeth said, still gripping Irene's hand. To Tamara she said, "Most of us do grow up sooner or later."

Tamara looked back at her defiantly, but then she chose to change the subject, and Elizabeth knew she had won the first skirmish. "So, the men," she asked, looking around the pool. "Are they as cozy and intimate in their bath as we are?"

"In my imagination they certainly are!" hooted Lindy, drawing laughs and hearty agreement all around. 

"We can ask Benjamin and Jonathan at dinner," Irene suggested. "But the consensus is they are probably not nearly as open as we are."

"Probably all talk of cigars and brandy and how many women they nailed last week, am I right?" Tamara asked. 

"If so, that's not all that different from us!" replied Eunice. 

"She's right, Tamara," Elizabeth said. "Here in the city women and men are not as different as you think. You'll see if you start dating here."

"Who is to say I haven't started?" Tamara demanded. "Irene can tell you, I've been going around with Benjamin...oh, well, I can't recall his last name, but --"

"Townshend," Irene interjected, not hiding her contempt nearly as well as Elizabeth had done. 

"Thank you dear, Townshend. He's been lovely to me all week, after a mutual friend put me in touch with him. Well, he's been a perfect gentleman to me so far, but I know how to work through that!"

"Ben is a lovely young man," Eunice said knowingly. "But you would likely know by now if he were interested in you. Trust me, I know!"

Tamara glared at the older woman, clearly unsure as to whether or not she wanted to know more. 

"I understand we'll be dining with him tonight, in any case," Elizabeth said, her anger having now given way to a certain sense of control. "Perhaps we shall see then what his intentions are."

"You will be joining us?" Tamara asked. "I'm sorry, I had no idea."

"My cousin is her gentleman friend," Irene explained, "And he and Benjamin are soaking next door as we speak."

"Oh, to be a fly on that wall," Elizabeth said with a grin.

"Indeed," Tamara said crisply. Elizabeth was delighted to see she was rattled. 

Chapter 4

They had agreed to meet the men for a cab to the restaurant at half past six, and Elizabeth had initially feared that hour and a bit in the bath would seem forever. But when the quarter hour arrived and it was time to dry off and dress, her concerns had vanished. Tamara had never regained control of the conversation, nor had the other ladies allowed for any of her passive aggressive comments to go unchecked; and Elizabeth was feeling as radiant and refreshed as usual when Irene took her hand and helped her out of the bath. Tamara followed; she had a modesty-cloak waiting by the poolside, while Elizabeth and Irene remained comfortably nude as usual for the walk back to the locker room. They were comfortably quiet as usual as they toweled off , and it was up to Tamara to fill the awkward-for-her silence. "So, Benjamin tells me the restaurant we'll be going to is a favorite for single people," she offered. "I hope he intends that as a hint for myself and him."

"We shall see," Irene said through clenched teeth. She was as much annoyed at Tamara for interrupting her imagination of Benjamin being just as naked as she was next door at that very moment as she was at the silly content of her remark. 

Elizabeth, recalling how Irene had helped her restrain her temper, now returned the favor. "You heard Eunice, Tamara. Benjamin is a man who tells you what is on his mind. If he were playing games, you would know."

"As you say, dear," Tamara said. "In any case, Elizabeth, I am certainly interested in meeting the man who took a fancy to you. Many of our old friends have heard you are now quite the woman about town, and we did wonder just what sort of gentleman would know how to appeal to you." And with a snotty grin she added, "Not to mention you to him," just as Elizabeth hurriedly pulled her dress back on to cover up what her panties couldn't. 

In the cab, Irene was careful to seat herself across from Benjamin so that looking at him would seem as natural as possible. He appeared grateful for the diversion, as Tamara hung on his arm and prattled about how lovely she had found the baths. Benjamin replied only when it was unavoidable, and acknowledged Irene's many sympathetic nods and smiles. Jonathan sat by Irene's side; Elizabeth situated herself across from him and next to Benjamin, so as to avoid any contact with Tamara if she could help it. The victory in the baths had been hard won, and she longed to be alone with either Irene or Jonathan -- or both -- to decompress. There was little talk beyond Tamara's inane ramblings, though Elizabeth and Jonathan could see in one another's eyes that there was plenty to discuss once they had some privacy.

Fortunately for all concerned, the ride to the restaurant was a short one. As the hostess showed them to their reserved table, they overheard a band tuning up in the corner of the dining room. Benjamin explained to Tamara, "There's dancing later on, if you're interested. But for now I just want my dinner!"

"Amen!" said Elizabeth. "Such a long day at work."

Tamara eyed the dancing floor. "I assure you, Elizabeth, if you want to stay off your feet, Irene and I can keep the gentlemen busy!"

No one acknowledged her comment. The quintet took their seats in Elizabeth's favorite corner booth -- so cozy for relaxing with friends after a long day and before the evening's real fun -- and Jonathan ordered a carafe of wine for the party. Elizabeth put an arm around him and stretched her legs out, and could almost pretend Tamara wasn't there. Once they were alone, Benjamin put into action the phase Jonathan had explained to him in the bath. "So, Tamara," he asked, "How did you like your first visit to the baths?"

"Oh fine," she said. "As I was telling the girls, though, it takes some getting used to that much intimacy at once. But I think I like it a lot." She did not notice that Irene and Elizabeth exchanged knowing smiles at her expense, nor could she have known the reason why. Jonathan had accomplished his mission of filling Benjamin in on the plan, and Benjamin was now doing his part by steering the conversation exactly where they all wanted it to go. 

"Yes, it's definitely a very intense experience," Benjamin agreed. "Jonathan and a few of the other chaps told me all about what a time it was settling into that community. Easier for some than for others, I suppose. I wonder if it mightn't be more intense for women than for men?"

"Could just as easily be the other way around, Benjamin," Elizabeth suggested. "I'm just guessing based on the stories Jonathan has told me, relative to what I know."

"Well, to be fair, Elizabeth, your experience may be somewhat unique," Benjamin pointed out. To Tamara he added, "I don't know if you know, Elizabeth has a singular talent for putting other ladies at ease in the baths. You may have even experienced it."

"You could say that," Tamara said. Putting on a saucy grin, she then said, "I don't know about you men, Benjamin, but honestly I longed for some male companionship in the bath. Dishing with the ladies is all well and good, but how much more fun to have mixed company?"

"Wouldn't that be delightful, though?" Irene added, as if on cue -- Tamara was playing right into their hands! "It'll never happen here, though; the presence of the single-sex baths is already controversial enough."

"Well you know," Jonathan followed up, "A chap in the baths did tell us of a resort just out in the countryside where you can rent private baths. Very discreet, and you're free to share with whomever you like."

"Oh, I'd be up for a trip there!" Irene couldn't resist looking Benjamin in the eye as she said it, imagining his nude body soaking gently alongside herself. "How nice to get out of the city for a day with just our closest friends!"




Elizabeth 02: Revenge



"I'd be in as well," Benjamin said. "Sounds delightful. Elizabeth? Jonathan?"

"Wouldn't miss it for the world," Elizabeth said, taking Jonathan's hand in hers.

"I'm in too, then," Jonathan added.

"Wait," Tamara demanded. Looking back and forth between Jonathan and Irene, she asked, "Aren't you two cousins?"

"You may wear a bathing costume in the bath," Irene said.

"Besides," Jonathan cracked, "We're close."

Benjamin was only passingly familiar with the raunchy humor Elizabeth, Irene and Jonathan found acceptable among themselves, and Tamara looked as though she had no idea what to think. But as the two cousins laughed uproariously, the others slowly joined in as well. 

"Are you sure you feel comfortable joining in the bath with Jonathan?" Elizabeth asked Irene much later in the meal, when the wine had loosened the conversation and Tamara was once again chatting up Benjamin while Jonathan did his best to play third wheel with them. 

"Well, no," Irene admitted. "Let this be a lesson in just how much I value your friendship, dear."

"That, and it's your chance to see Benjamin naked!" Elizabeth snickered.

"You always do have my number, Elizabeth," Irene admitted. "But seriously, it shan't be the end of the world with Jonathan and myself. And like I said, one doesn't have to go nude in those baths."

"True," Elizabeth said, "You could avoid putting your body on display for Benjamin."

"I must confess that is unlikely," Irene giggled. "We shall see how daring I feel when the moment arrives, though. And whether it is necessary at all." She cast a furtive glance at Tamara.

"I sense it shall be," Elizabeth said, also regarding her adversary. "I shouldn't think Tamara would miss her chance at an intimate moment with Benjamin, even if it will also involve another such moment with me."

At that moment, the band at last burst into its first song. In a development Irene wished she could have scripted but had not been able to, Benjamin sprang to his feet. "Time for a dance, wouldn't you say?" he asked. Tamara stopped her gossiping in mid-sentence and looked starry-eyed up at him, even holding up her hand for him to take. Instead he reached across the table to Irene. "Would you do me the honor?"

Irene's heart was sailing, for she had resigned herself to watching him dance with Tamara. "I'd be delighted!"

Elizabeth shuffled aside to let Irene out of the booth, and then had just a moment to savor the shocked disbelief on Tamara's face before Jonathan stood up as well. "Darling?" he asked, holding his hand out for her. 

"Certainly!" Elizabeth said with genuine pleasure -- even now, Jonathan was often a bit shy in such situations -- and soon Tamara was left alone with her wine glass and a cloth napkin to twist in her frustrated hands. 

"I'm so very sorry for Tamara's behavior," Benjamin said to Irene as soon as their dance was underway. "I've only known her for these few days and she's been high strung and thoughtless throughout, but evidently she has no one else in town to turn to."

"Quite all right, Benjamin," Irene assured him. She gave serious consideration to adding that he need never apologize to her for anything so long as she was in the reverie of his arms, but concluded that would be a bit much. "Really, she hasn't been nearly as horrible as I had expected, though that's partially just because Elizabeth is handling herself so well."

"Heavens, I can only imagine what a nightmare this is for Elizabeth!" Benjamin agreed. "But I agree, she has been remarkably diplomatic all evening. Better than I could hope to conduct myself in her shoes, really."

"So Jonathan told you about her history with Tamara, did he?" Irene asked. 

"He did, in the baths, but even before that, Tamara had some choice words about her."

"Really!" Irene was outraged, though not very surprised.

"Really. After our meeting at Miles this afternoon, she and I fell into discussing the friends I had invited along for the baths and dinner. I mentioned that she might even know Elizabeth from her school days, and she immediately recoiled at the name. 'Oh God, I saw her at the baths yesterday!' she said. 'Disgusting, ungroomed, hairy as an ape...we tried to put her in her place over it back at school, and yesterday I saw she still hadn't learned!' I assure you, Irene, I was outraged for Elizabeth. I told Tamara what a wonderful lady she is and how beloved she is among the ladies of the baths, not to mention Jonathan and you. But I fear I only made matters worse."

"But you still persuaded her to join us," Irene said. "That is good."

"Oh, that was never in doubt, I'm afraid," Benjamin replied.

"You're afraid?"

"I rather suspected she wanted to join Elizabeth in the bath to criticize her over you-know-what. Then, when Jonathan told me of her history and your plans for her, I realized I was right."

"Well, I'm pleased to report we put her in her place," Irene said. "But yes, she was horribly nasty to Elizabeth nevertheless, and in the most frustratingly polite way."

"Then I am very pleased to participate in your plan, Irene." His face cracking into a relaxed smile, he then added, "I must admit, though, it is an interesting twist to the evening to dance with a lady in pants."

"Well, kind sir," Irene replied. "You know if you play your cards right, you may very well have the opportunity to see me without my pants."

Wordlessly, Benjamin drew Irene close for the final strains of the song, and she was delighted to feel his stiff cock against her hip through both their clothes. 

Across the dance floor, Elizabeth recounted the confrontation in the baths as she relaxed in Jonathan's arms. "The bitch hasn't changed at all," she said. "But I do wonder if she sincerely believes what she said about me 'struggling' with my body, as if she were not the one who caused the struggle."

"Bullies rarely do understand the damage they do," Jonathan said. "I have heard that many times. I do hope you can stand one more bath with her, though. I'll understand if you don't want to go through with the plan, but it will be necessary if you do want to."

"Dear God, Jonathan, do you really think I would endure this afternoon and then drop my plans?"

"Not for one moment," Jonathan assured her. "That is one of the many things I love about you, Elizabeth. It's only that you have suffered far more than you should have to at her hands already, and I would understand if you chose to walk away from the plan now."

"The same goes for you, darling, should you decide you aren't comfortable being nude with Irene," Elizabeth said. 

"Oh, we have been on occasion in the past," Jonathan said. "At the pond on our grandfather's land, all of us youngsters used to swim in the altogether. That was some time ago of course, but this will be nothing Irene and I cannot handle."

"I wonder why she never told me that?" Elizabeth mused. 

"She may choose not to recall what I look like without my clothes," Jonathan quipped. "Or maybe she wants you to believe you have that knowledge to yourself."

"Heavens, Jonathan," Elizabeth laughed. "I, who am famous for how I look naked, what care I about that?"

"Excellent question," Jonathan admitted. Casting a glance across the floor, he added, "Speaking of Irene, it would appear she's got what she wanted tonight!"

Elizabeth followed his gaze, and saw Irene in a tight embrace with Benjamin, her eyes inches from his, both of them dancing much slower than the music called for and clearly oblivious to their surroundings. "It certainly is about time, isn't it?" she asked Jonathan.

"Indeed," Jonathan said. "I rather suspect Tamara will be at her own devices back at her hotel tonight." The couple both looked back at their table; Tamara had already left. They would later learn she had not paid her share of the bill. 

Chapter 5

Irene was thusly deprived of her opportunity to have Tamara witness Benjamin leaving with her; but that was of no consequence as she gripped his hand in the cold night air. "It is only two blocks off Main," she assured him. "I wouldn't keep you out here in the cold for a long walk!"

"A long walk to your home would be well worth it, I assure you," Benjamin replied. 

Normally Irene would have laughed uproariously at such a line; but not with Benjamin and certainly not tonight. Rather, she squeezed his gloved hand more tightly as she guided him up the side street to her cluttered but neat bedsit. She turned on the electric light, explaining to Benjamin that it was one feature that had drawn her to the room, and set about lighting the fire. "We'll be toasty warm in no time," she assured him as he sat on her sofa and removed his shoes. 

"Yes, we doubtless shall be," he replied. "But you can light the fire anyway."

Now, Irene allowed a laugh. Benjamin joined in. After a look around the small room, he asked her, "Pardon my nosiness, but where is your bed?"

"You are sitting on it," Irene said. "It folds into a sofa for the daytime, perfect for such a small room. When you unfold it, your feet are just before the fireplace and they stay delightfully warm all night."

"May I unfold it then?" Benjamin asked, standing up.

"You'd better!"

By the time Irene had the fire lit, Jonathan had unlocked the mystery of the sofa and was waiting seated on the newly-unfolded bed. He rose to meet her as she turned back from the fireplace. There was no hesitation on either part as they eased into one another's arms and their lips met. She slipped both her hands under his coat and rubbed his back through his shirt, her cold hands causing shivers of more kinds than one. Soon they were intertwined on the bed and he was caressing her still-clothed breasts, and her months of pent-up loneliness and frustration melted in his gentle touch. She soon had his coat off and grazed his chest through his shirt while he kneaded her breasts, but neither tried to undress the other any further until the fire had warmed the room suitably. 

Benjamin caressed Irene all over her body, but he touched her between her thighs only once, to determine if she was wet. Finding that she was, he then set about unbuttoning her trousers. He soon had them down around her knees, and eagerly she kicked them off. "Told you you could see me out of them," she whispered, unbuttoning his shirt.

"Happy to see how right you were," he replied, and followed suit with her blouse. 

Irene's closeness with Elizabeth, and their many discussions of the latter's past, had imbued her with a great deal of admiration for her friend's recovered self-confidence, but it had also inspired a fair bit of insecurity about her own very-different body. Didn't her bigger breasts seem to sag a bit much when unsupported compared to Elizabeth's dainty ones, and weren't her nipples a bit too large as well? What about her round belly? And she not only had a big vulva, but it was ever-so-prominent under her sparse pubic thatch whereas Elizabeth's was so very well-hidden. One by one, she found each of these on full display for Benjamin in the bright bedside light she now wished she had turned off. But her self-consciousness was blissfully fleeting as his gentle caresses and admiring looks melted her into contentment. 

"You're beautiful, Irene, I hope you know that," he whispered in her ear as he guided her to lay flat on her back on the bed.

"Thank you," and in that moment she believed him wholeheartedly. 

As for Benjamin's own body, she eagerly drank in the sight of his broad chest with its dark hair sprinkled everywhere. Her eyes wandered hungrily all the way down across his flat midsection to a treasure trail leading down from his navel to a massive forest of curls -- quite possibly even larger than Elizabeth's, and Irene now realized to her titillation that she might well get the chance to compare the two side by side at the weekend! Protruding from it all was the lovely thick cock she had spent the evening imagining inside her, pointing rigidly at her like a soldier at her command. 

But Benjamin was in no hurry to give in to that command. After whispering the compliment in her ear, he grazed his way down to her breasts, suckling between them while his hair grazed her hard nipples. He lingered there for a few delightful minutes before working his hands down to her belly. Irene felt one last wash of insecurity as he touched her least favorite part of her body, and it receded just as quickly as his tender kisses and caresses all around it put her once again at ease. She let out her first loud moan in appreciation, and he responded by rubbing just a bit faster, before finally making his way downward once again. 

Irene gasped in filthy anticipation as she realized what was about to happen, for no man had ever pleasured her thusly before. She scarcely knew what to expect, but she was nevertheless breathing loudly and heavily even before his whiskers tickled her vulva so deliciously for the first time. His hands resting on her hips, he kissed her lower lips lightly, teasingly at first, then reached his tongue tantalizingly just inside. Irene exulted in the waves that ensued, and encouraged him with her enthusiastic grunts and ground her hips down toward him as best she could. Soon she was aware of him helping out with his fingers as he kissed and sucked and licked. She had no sense of how long it all went on, lost as she was in the sensation, and was almost relieved when the dam finally burst and the first orgasm washed over her. 

Though elated, she was now a ball of nerves as he stood up and admired her body. She wanted him inside her more than ever. "Thank you," she whispered huskily, scooting up to lay her head on the waiting pillows. She spread her legs out wider in anticipation.

Benjamin went to the doorway and shut off the lights, leaving a beautiful glow of firelight on Irene's waiting body. She was aware of him fiddling with something from his clothes on the floor, and eventually realized he was wiping his mouth off with his handkerchief. "I made a mess on your face, did I?" she asked with a sultry laugh. 

"All well worth it, I should say," he reassured her. Returning to the bed, he climbed gently atop her and they shared yet another kiss. Irene could still taste traces of her own fluids on his tongue, and to her surprise she found the turn arousing rather than repulsive. Of course, nothing about Benjamin could have repulsed her at that moment as she felt his hard cock teasing her hungry thighs. 

"Right, then," she said, "In you go!" She raised her knees to better accommodate him, and reached down with both hands. With a gentle but firm grasp that brought a welcome sigh from Benjamin, she guided him inside. Her eyes were wide open and locked on his as they shared the sensation of her enveloping him, and soon their lips were locked once again as he pushed his way slowly in and out. Irene soon found herself once again worked into a lather of sensation as his pumping grew harder and faster, and she stretched out her arms and rubbed his buttocks to encourage him along. 

"Oh, Irene." It was all Benjamin could say in his own state of arousal, and all she needed him to say. A fleeting memory of that afternoon's displeasure at seeing Tamara on his arm made her laugh with delight as she now felt him gliding lovingly in and out of her body. Pleasant, but fleeting, as were all thoughts as he worked her up to a second climax, followed closely by his own. It was hard and loud and masculine, and she drank in all the sensation as she admired him from underneath while catching her own breath. 

In her mansion suite on the outskirts of town, Elizabeth was enjoying her second round with Jonathan in her own bed. The first had been on the carpet just beyond the roaring fireplace, and they were both flush with lingering heat. She was more aroused than ever with the thrill of victory. "Did you see the look on Tamara's face when he asked Irene to dance?" she asked between grunts, for what Jonathan suspected was the third or fourth time. "Did you see how her face fell?!"

"Wouldn't have missed it for the world," Jonathan moaned breathily, pushing up inside her from underneath. "He showed her!"

"We showed her!" Elizabeth corrected, rocking back and forth atop him. 

"Yeah..." Jonathan agreed. "You close?"

"What, you want to sleep?" she demanded.

"No!" he said. "Just want to know when you come so I can too."

"Silly boy, you know you can come anytime you like!" she exclaimed, and clamped her feminine muscles tightly on his captive cock. 

"If you're coming too," he gasped. 

Elizabeth picked up his hands and placed them deep in her bush. "You know what to do!" she said with a heavy sigh. Jonathan did indeed know what to do, and soon all of his fingers were grazing her delicate hidden skin while his thumbs went to town on her clitoris. Once again grateful to be the only one with a bedroom on that floor of the mansion, Elizabeth leaned back and gave in to an uninhibited scream as his magic fingers brought her off the deep end. He was still stroking her expertly when she came back down to earth and sat back up straight atop him. Seeing he hadn't crossed the finish line yet, she leaned down and kissed him hard on the mouth while grinding into him as hard and fast as she could. 

"Ohhhhhhhhhh!" his moaning was quieter than hers as always, but she knew the moment had arrived and gave him one last gentle internal squeeze as his orgasm crested and passed. Then she stopped and sat back up, but did not release him. As he lay back on the bed and regained his own composure, she gazed down at the lovely sight and felt more tears welling up...tears of joy this time. 

"What's wrong?" he asked, taking both her hands in his as she finally pulled off him and lay down beside him. 

Elizabeth buried her face in his chest. "Beautiful, that's all. So gentle and beautiful."

"You are," he agreed.

"We are," she corrected. "And to think Tamara tried so hard to destroy my ability to enjoy this sort of thing."

"She'll be sorry," Jonathan said, "If she isn't already."

"I wish I could be that sure she would ever learn," Elizabeth said. She put her arms around Jonathan and cradled him until she was sure he was sleeping, then lay back and stared at the flames from the fireplace dancing on the ceiling. She was blissfully happy, but she wasn't sure. 

Chapter 6

Irene didn't need to tell Elizabeth of her encounter with Benjamin when next the two best friends met, at Elizabeth's office the following afternoon. Her girlish joy told all that needed to be said: she was beaming as she stepped into the office, and rather than their usual chaste kiss on the cheek she threw herself at Elizabeth with an uninhibited tight squeeze. 

"Well, congratulations," Elizabeth said.

"On what?" Irene didn't even know why she pretended to be ignorant; but she felt she had to.

"On the very obvious reason why you're so happy," Elizabeth replied. "Anyone could see what was in store for you and Benjamin last night."

"I am that easy to read, am I?" Irene mused. 

"For us, you are," Elizabeth said. "Jonathan and I couldn't be more delighted for the both of you, but especially for you, dear. I know you've been lonely recently." She hugged Irene again. "I know what it's like, and I know how good it feels when it's over."

"Yes," Irene admitted, "And I get the sense you're very happy today as well. How many times?"

"Twice," Elizabeth laughed. 

"Any word from Tamara?" Irene asked. 

"The rumor mill at lunch had it that she was dancing with Ronald Stevens, from the bank, and he took her off for drinks somewhere else. I haven't heard from her because, thank heavens, she doesn't know where I work."

"Well, I guess someone will have to get in touch with her to see if she still wishes to join us this weekend. Shall we draw straws for the honor?"




Elizabeth 02: Revenge



"Oh, I think Benjamin should do that. She will no doubt want him more than ever now."

"Do you think she'll even want to talk to him again after last night?" Irene asked.

"More than ever, if it's now a matter of stealing him away from you," Elizabeth said. "Trust me, I knew her far better than I wanted to for a long, long time."

"So now it's personal for both of us," Irene said. "Wonderful."

Jonathan treated the both of them to dinner at his flat that evening, and with his culinary generosity came more news. "I had lunch with Benjamin," he told them as he poured their wine. "He said Tamara was by his office this morning, all excited about our trip to the country. No mention of where Benjamin had got off to last night, but she was flirting with him harder than ever before, he said."

"Oh my," Elizabeth said. "Irene, it sounds as though she will be out for your blood this weekend."

"Well, we are out for hers, aren't we?" Irene replied. 

"Indeed," Elizabeth agreed. She gazed wistfully into her wine glass as Jonathan set the three soup bowls on the table. 

"You aren't getting cold feet on our plan, dear, are you?" Irene asked. 

"Hardly," Elizabeth said. "It is only that I would just as soon never think of Tamara again, and here we are talking about her yet again."

"We can certainly talk about Benjamin instead," Jonathan suggested as he set their soup bowls on the table. "I am sure Irene has plenty to say on that matter."

Jonathan and Elizabeth laughed, while Irene looked shyly down at the table. "Yes, plenty to say. But perhaps you would like to start with what he told you at lunch today, Jonathan?"

"Only that he had a lovely evening last night and that he was very much looking forward to seeing you at the weekend," Jonathan said. "Other than that, all he had regarding you was lots and lots of questions -- what you like, what you don't, what you do for fun, and where...clearly the man is in love with you, Irene."

"Lovely," was all Irene said, but privately she felt a wash of relief through her soul -- it hadn't been just a fling as she had feared. "I certainly am looking forward to the weekend as well," she added.

"To see Benjamin or to give Tamara her comeuppance?" asked Elizabeth.

"I do believe for me the both shall be one," Irene said. With that she took a long sip of her wine, and opted not to tell Elizabeth and Jonathan about the bouquet of red roses that had been waiting on her desk when she had returned to school that afternoon. Even her dearest friends did not need to know everything.

Saturday found the worst of the cold snap over at last, and the morning was mildly chilly but bright as they met on the platform at Westfordshire Central station. It was a popular day for travel and the platform was quite crowded, which at least served to slow down the occasional cold breeze that was still kicking up at late morning. Irene was the first to arrive, for she had not seen Benjamin since they had dressed together and left for work on the morning after their encounter three days before, and sleeping late had been out of the question as the reunion approached. She had also set aside the trousers in favor of her laciest dress to mark the occasion, and the chilly breeze on her legs was that much more noticeable for having been absent all that week. But her anticipation for their reunion kept both the chill and the crowds at bay as she stood hopefully in the lee of the timetable.

Elizabeth and Jonathan emerged hand in hand from the crowd, Jonathan pulling a single suitcase behind them. "Good morning!" Jonathan called out above the din of the crowd and a departing train. "I hope we haven't kept you waiting long."

"It is not us she is waiting for, you can be certain of that!" Elizabeth chided him. Irene laughed in acknowledgment and kissed them both on the cheek. "Any word from Benjamin?" she asked Irene.

"He sent me the loveliest note yesterday," Irene said, "But the contents would not be appropriate to discuss out in the wide world." She broke into a grin, and Elizabeth and Jonathan followed suit.

"But I meant about Tamara," Elizabeth said. "I've heard not a thing of her since your big night."

"I did see her on the street yesterday," Irene said, "But of course she had to be polite in public. All she had to say was that she would be accompanying Benjamin to the station and she could hardly wait to enjoy the outing with us all."

"No doubt she let you believe she and Benjamin would be traveling in close company," Jonathan added.

"That certainly was insinuated," Irene acknowledged. "But I shall trust Benjamin unless he proves I shouldn't." She said it defiantly, and did her best to keep her minor but undefeatable doubt to herself.

They stood and talked of anything and anyone except Tamara for the next several minutes -- Irene had already made up her mind to avoid looking at the clock -- while the departure time drew ever closer. While Irene was fighting a losing battle to stave off her lingering concerns about Benjamin and Tamara, Elizabeth was coping with her own demons about the plan of attack. What if it failed? What if it still did not bring back the peace she had known prior to Tamara's reappearance? Were they really in the right to follow through on their plan? And what if the consequences were worse than planned? One issue no longer concerned her, though: after the other night in the bath and at the restaurant, there was no longer any doubt in Elizabeth's mind that Tamara was the same sadistic bully she always had been. That thought kept Elizabeth from ever reneging on her plans. 

Neither of them needed worry, it soon emerged, for after ten minutes or so Benjamin and Tamara arrived at last. Benjamin was gallantly carrying both their suitcases, while Tamara walked alongside him looking as superior as Elizabeth had ever seen her. 

"Benjamin!" Irene knew it would be best to wait a moment or two after he had set the suitcases down before flying at him, but she didn't care. Flagrantly she threw her arms around him. "I'm delighted to see you!"

Behind her, Elizabeth couldn't resist a mild laugh at the expense of Tamara, who was now regarding the pair in outrage. Turning to Elizabeth, she said, "I do hope Irene shan't be too lonely on the holiday. She does know I shall be sharing Benjamin's room, does she not?"

"Have you discussed this with Benjamin?" Elizabeth asked, suppressing another laugh. 

"Why, yes," Tamara replied, "On the cab to the station this morning. He confessed to me of a moment's weakness at the restaurant the other night, followed by that trollop luring him home; but he has assured me that he slept on her sofa and never touched her inappropriately. He also said he has made arrangements with Jonathan for Irene to share your room at the resort. I am sorry to hear Jonathan did not see fit to tell you that, Elizabeth."

"Oh, of course," Elizabeth said, tamping down her outrage. "Yes, men never do see fit to inform us of anything, do they?"

"I am so relieved to hear you understand," Tamara said, turning to see Irene and Benjamin were now disengaged at last. "Benjamin, dear," she said, taking both of his hands in hers. "Tell me again of the view from our room?"

"A panoramic view of the woods and the glen, I am told," Benjamin said, "And the private bath adjoins our room with Elizabeth and Jonathan's."

"And they shall have an extra bed, I trust?" Tamara continued, while Irene glared at her.

"That is hardly our concern, now is it?" Benjamin said. The train was pulling up to the platform, and to Irene's disgust, he patted Tamara on the behind to prod her. "Well then," he said, "Let us find our car."

They all gathered up their suitcases -- except for Tamara, who assumed correctly that Benjamin would collect hers -- and walked to the entryway. Irene brought up the rear, looking defiantly at Benjamin's back as Tamara walked close beside him. Elizabeth turned to see her looking hurt and furious. "It's an act," she reminded Irene. "You know that."

"Do I?" Irene asked. "Do I really know for certain that he's playing along?"

"Of course!" Elizabeth said through her own doubt as she recalled what Tamara had just told her. Irene did not need to hear that just now, and surely it was nonsense in any case. It was just like Tamara to lie about such things. And yet Elizabeth had no way of knowing with any certainty that she was in fact lying this time. 

Then, to their immense relief, both women saw Benjamin turn back for a word with the porter after helping Tamara onto the train. As he handed over the suitcases, he patted Tamara's and handed the porter a coin, and the porter handed him a key in return. Irene and Elizabeth clasped hands discreetly and exchanged smiles. Benjamin was sharp enough in his role that he never looked back at the pair as he boarded. 

The ride to the resort was just over two hours, in an opulent passenger car with dark red plush seats and a thick carpet, complete with tea and cake service. As Tamara remained blissfully unaware of anything save her proximity to Benjamin, the conversation among the others consisted of small talk about everything and nothing. Irene, nearly delirious with relief, spent much of the trip enjoying the scenery from her window seat and occasionally teasing Benjamin's hand. Tamara, on his other side, boldly held his other hand when he would allow it. Elizabeth and Jonathan enjoyed their tea as usual and bided their time until the train reached the tiny rural station, where a beautiful bright red coach was parked just beyond the gate with the name of the resort stenciled on its side. 

The coach ride was but ten minutes through a thickly wooded area, exiting in a clearing on a ridge with a lake just beyond. "Good for skating in the winter and swimming in summer, folks, but I'm afraid this time of year it's only good for looking," the driver advised the quintet and a handful of other passengers who had joined them at the station. 

"Isn't that beautiful, though!" Elizabeth exclaimed. "Perfect for a weekend getaway even if we can only look, don't you all think?"

"I certainly agree," Jonathan said as the coach ground to a halt beside the majestic inn overlooking the ridge. "Lovely view."

"I should enjoy a bath first of all after that trip," Tamara announced as they stood to exit. "Won't that be refreshing, Benjamin?" As brazen as her comment, she hooked her arm through his. 

Benjamin cringed apologetically at the strangers who had overheard Tamara. "I should think you will enjoy it," he said.

"I shall --"

"Let us all meet in Benjamin's room," Elizabeth interrupted, saving them further embarrassment. "We can make further plans once we are settled."

Ten minutes later, the first elevator ride for most of them landed the quintet in the larger bedroom of their suite, as tastefully decorated as their train car had been and with a view of the woods far below as promised. "I trust this shall be for Jonathan and Elizabeth, and Irene may sleep on the sofa?" Tamara asked, kicking off her shoes just inside the door.

"We can concern ourselves with sleeping arrangements later, I think," Jonathan replied. "At least wait until our luggage arrives before we worry about where to put it."

"Yes, and where is my suitcase, on that note?" Tamara demanded. 

"All the bags will be delivered from downstairs, one floor at a time, they said at the desk," Elizabeth told her. "Being on the fifth floor, I should think we are in for a bit of a wait. And so, if you do want to have a dip in the tub as you suggested, this time is as good as any." The hot-tub was at the center of a private, candle-lit chamber between the two rooms of their suite. Elizabeth opened the door and set about lighting the candles. "I must say, it does look inviting after that long ride, does it not?"

"Indeed," Tamara said. "Benjamin, will you be joining me?"

"We all will," Irene announced. "This is a retreat for all five of us, after all."

"Oh, don't be daft!" Tamara said. "You were not all serious about that at the restaurant!"

"Certainly we were," Jonathan said. "We're adults and friends, and we have nothing to hide. Isn't that right?"

"What have we decided on the dress-code, then?" Benjamin asked. "As much or as little as you care to wear."

"Indeed," said Elizabeth, who was now at work on priming the hot-water pump to fill the tub. "As bare as we dare," she giggled. "Or not."

"You could join in fully clothed for all I like, Elizabeth," Tamara grumbled. "In any case, I shall stay in my bodice and drawers, and I hope at least you two ladies will show similar modesty. No need to act like men today."

"Oh, I never bathe in my clothes anymore," Elizabeth said, having weathered Tamara's latest insult without reaction. "Now that I know the freedom of nudity, I could never go back. But it is as you like for yourself, Tamara." She stood up straight again, now that the tub was filling with hot water, and regarded Jonathan and Irene. "Shall we?"

Irene joined Elizabeth and Jonathan without comment in retiring to their room, for it was all for the better to allow Tamara a few more moments of illusion. "Well done, you, not taking her bait that time," she told Elizabeth.

"Seconded," said Jonathan. "I can't imagine how you endured all those years of such things every day."

"Thank you," said Elizabeth, privately still wondering the same herself. Their room had a view of the ridge and the lake beyond, and a steam radiator that was percolating in the corner. The warm dry air with no fire to tend to was a welcome change. "I could certainly grow accustomed to living like this!" Elizabeth declared after a walk past the window. The curtains were wide open, but five stories above the ground there was no cause of concern for modesty. Turning back to face Jonathan and Irene, she sensed that they might be having second thoughts about undressing together. She could hardly blame them, of course; but she knew she would have to go nude for the final twist, and she was accustomed to being so in front of the both of them. 

She began to unbutton her dress. "If one or both of you would prefer to hide in your clothes, I shan't blame you," she told them. "But do make up your minds presently. The sooner we are all in the bath, the sooner we can cast Tamara out of our lives forever!"

"That is all the reassurance I need," Irene declared. She had in fact been wavering but no more; she gathered up her long hair and stood before her cousin with her back turned. "Jonathan, if you will?"

Obediently Jonathan unclasped her dress and undid the three buttons below the clasp. Irene quickly pulled down the loosened garment and stepped out of it, while behind her Jonathan followed suit. He had all but resolved to insist on keeping his undershirt and short pants on out of deference to his cousin and modesty with Tamara; but he had no desire to be an odd man out. Elizabeth had a head start on the both of them and was the first to be ready for the bath; she strode brazenly past them as they undressed and waited by the bath chamber door. When Irene had her brassiere and short pants off, she took a deep breath and turned around, to see Jonathan still undressing. He did not look up at her, and she felt she should respond in kind; but before she could decide on another place to cast her gaze, she dissolved into nervous laughter. 

Jonathan pulled off his underwear at last and stood up to see the source of his cousin's laughter, and instinctively he understood and joined in. 

"It is easy once you're used to it, now isn't it?" Elizabeth asked them. Though accustomed to seeing them both nude, she too was struck with the mild taboo with which they were both coping. "Not to make either of you more uncomfortable," she added, "But I must say a look at the both of you in the nude at once makes it all too clear you're related!" She looked down at her own vastly different ornamentation and back at them with a laugh.

"Indeed," Jonathan agreed, with a bashful but appreciative look at his cousin's beautiful body.

"Oh, come here, you!" Irene opened her arms, and the cousins enjoyed a relaxing embrace. "It is hardly as though we did not have any idea what one another looks like underneath, is it?"

"Jonathan, didn't you say you'd been naked together before anyway?" Elizabeth asked. 

"Oh, heavens, I forgot that!" Irene exclaimed. "At the farm! Yes."

"You have grown quite a bit since then," Jonathan said. 

"As have you," Irene replied, looking down. By now they were both more amused than embarrassed.

"Mustn't keep Tamara waiting," Elizabeth announced, opening the bath chamber door.

Tamara was indeed waiting, alone in the bath, in her underwear as promised. She made no effort to hide her usual disgust at Elizabeth's full bush, but seeing Irene and Jonathan naked together was worse still. "Dear God!" she snapped. "I was certain at least Irene would have the good taste to join me."

"Join you in what?" Irene asked as she slid happily into the warm water. Jonathan and Elizabeth took their places on her left, across the water from Tamara so that she would be forced to see them. "The very idea of a private bath is that you needn't hide anything, you know."

"It has been my experience that most of us should hide a bit more than we are wont to," Tamara said. "And really, I saw this as a couples' retreat, for sharing intimacies only among pairs. In the event, I did ask Benjamin to join me in not baring all for everyone. So at least he shall show some restraint."

"Are you certain of that?" asked Irene, for at that moment Benjamin opened the far chamber door and strode in just as nude as the others. 

"She's right," Benjamin quipped as he made his way to the tub. "She did ask. But I would never fail to take part in such intimate camaraderie. What is the harm indeed, Tamara? Especially when none have said you must follow?"

Tamara looked livid. But she did enjoy her first sight of Benjamin's naked body, and gave in to admiring him as he climbed into the tub between her and Irene. This also afforded Elizabeth her first look at his raw glory, and vice versa. Benjamin's reaction was not unlike that of so many women at the public baths, and Elizabeth did not begrudge his admiring stare any more than she had theirs. Indeed, she shamelessly returned the favor and admired Benjamin down below. It was all the more gratifying to have Tamara looking on, though Tamara showed no sign of understanding the bond Elizabeth and Benjamin had just discovered. 

Irene looked on, pleased with her anticipated opportunity to admire her two hirsute companions side by side, though she still could not make up her mind as to which had the larger bush. Elizabeth had similar thoughts, and on finally looking up to make eye contact with Benjamin, she broke into an embarrassed laugh. Benjamin responded in kind, and Elizabeth could see he understood all too well. 

"What now?" Tamara demanded.

"I do believe Benjamin and Elizabeth have discovered they share a beautiful secret," Irene said. "I anticipated as much the other night, I must say."

"Beautiful?!" Tamara snapped. "What sort of twisted..." her voice trailed away as she realized the full import of Irene's remark. "The other night?" Turning to Benjamin, she punched him on the arm. "What does she mean 'the other night'? You were with her?"

"I never lied to you, Tamara," Benjamin said. "You asked if I had gone home with Irene, and I did not say no."

"You said you slept on her sofa!"

"It is a sofa-bed," Irene explained. "We both spent the night in it, and what a night it was!"

"And as for your rude comments about Irene's character?" Elizabeth asked Tamara.

"I do not know what she told you," Benjamin said, "But I do know she peppered her questions about my night with Irene with a number of inappropriate names and comments. A gentleman does not dignify such things with a response, and so I denied nothing."




Elizabeth 02: Revenge



Tamara -- the only one wearing any clothes -- felt positively naked of a sudden. But she was not to be defeated so easily. "Well," she declared, turning to Irene, "Whatever you and Benjamin may have done in your bed or your sofa the other night, it would appear it did not mean a great deal to him. You have seen as well as I how he and Elizabeth have been admiring one another."

"I have seen that, and because I know and love them both, I understand why," Irene said. "That you do not speaks a great deal."

"She is quite right," Benjamin said. "Oh, I assure you, I do find Elizabeth mesmerizingly beautiful; but her heart belongs to Jonathan and mine to Irene. No, we were admiring one another in solidarity rather than in love."

"Solidarity over what?" Tamara snapped. "Being hairy as a couple of gorillas?"

"Exactly," Elizabeth said with a victorious smile. "We both know how it feels to live with people like you, Tamara. And it is indeed refreshing to meet someone who understands so well."

"What do you mean someone like me?" Tamara's eyes were alive with rage. "Elizabeth, all I ever did to you was try to let you know you had a problem that you needed to address. Had you addressed it, I assure you I would have mentioned it no more."

"Tamara," Jonathan spoke up for the first time. "It is no use for you to lie like that. Elizabeth has told both Irene and myself all about the nightmares you inflicted upon her."

"And if your 'help' was anything like what I endured in my younger days," Benjamin continued, "It probably entailed driving her to all matter of things that only made matters worse and made her more uncomfortable."

"Exactly right," Elizabeth confirmed. "I say, Benjamin, did you ever order Horsham's Hair Removal Oil from the back page of your student magazine?"

"'Smooth as a baby's backside in seven days,'" Benjamin recited the advertisement from memory. "And instead, it burned my skin and made the hair stand out straight without falling off."

"Yes, and do you know what Tamara had to say when that happened to me?" Elizabeth replied. "She asked if I was growing a cock all of a sudden!"

"And meanwhile, I was being accused of my own cock disappearing in the woods down there," Benjamin recalled. "'Mow the grass already and find the tree,' the boys told me."

"I tried that too," Elizabeth said, "and did such a poor job of it that Tamara offered to have her father teach me to shave."

"I wonder, Elizabeth, just how well Tamara knows about her father's shaving abilities?" Benjamin said with a laugh. By now he was holding Irene's hand openly while Jonathan had his arm slung affectionately over Elizabeth's leg. 

"I must confess, though, Tamara made me strong," Elizabeth said. "If I hadn't been forced to confront my insecurities so abruptly, well, I can't imagine I would be so comfortable in company such as this. And I'd hate to have missed out on it!"

"I agree completely," Benjamin said. "But here's an interesting question: just how is it that we each ended up with this pair of hair-deprived cousins, anyway?"

"Must be something in their blood, I suppose," said Elizabeth, who had been wondering the same. "Or maybe opposites really do attract." At this, Jonathan and Irene looked directly at one another for the first time since their embrace back in the bedroom, and laughed together. Elizabeth continued, "We certainly were lucky to find them, though, weren't we?"

"And they us," Benjamin added. With that he turned and kissed Irene gently and deeply, and she slid her arms tightly around him. Elizabeth followed suit with Jonathan. 

That, at long last, pushed Tamara to her limit. "Disgusting, the lot of you!" she screeched. "I have had all I can endure!" She pushed herself up out of the tub and stood on the tile floor, her underwear dripping everywhere. "I shall take the next train back to Westfordshire City and then I should hope not to see any of you there again!"

"Enjoy the trip!" Elizabeth said with an ear-to-ear grin. 

"Yes, the key is on the bed," Benjamin added.

"The key to what?" Tamara seethed, now patting herself dry with a towel from the rack. She was still wearing her sopping underclothes, and was trying to wring them dry as well -- undressing in this company was beyond question for her, just as Elizabeth had hoped it would be. 

"The key to the locker at the train station in Westfordshire where you'll find your suitcase," Benjamin explained. "We left it there for you."

"You..." Tamara somehow looked even more outraged than before. "What am I to wear back on the train?!"

"Exactly what you wore here," Irene said. "Surely your dress is still in there."

"And these undergarments?!" Tamara shrieked. "They're soaked! I should be cold and miserable all the way back there, and maybe even catch cold!"

"That's odd," Elizabeth said. "I do not recall you showing such concern back when I was reduced to wearing my underwear in the bath to avoid more nasty comments from you about my body. Indeed, you used to take great pleasure in reminding me how desperately uncomfortable that must have been for me in class afterwards. And as you now see, Tamara, you were right."

Tamara stood before them all for another moment in her damp underclothes, waiting for one of them to take pity on her. When none did, she at last retreated to Benjamin's room before they could see the tears of rage welling in her eyes. Quietly the four friends waited out the sounds of Tamara pulling her dress back on, gathering up the key and her purse, and slamming the door behind her. Then it was cheers and hugs all around, and they all enjoyed a good soak until well past a time when they trusted the shuttle bus had made its return trip to the train station. 

After the bath, Benjamin rang the bellhop for their suitcases, which he had instructed to keep downstairs to prevent Tamara from carrying any of them off; and they all dressed for an afternoon promenade and an early dinner. Irene enjoyed the thrill of dressing together with Benjamin at a leisurely pace, this time allowing him the honor of buttoning up her dress in back. Before he could get his pants on, though, Irene tackled him on the bed for a quick and intense round. "I hope we don't keep Elizabeth and Jonathan waiting," he warned as he lay back and acquiesced in her skirts pooling around him and her pussy enveloping him.

"If I know them, they are up to the same!" Irene rejoined as she clamped down on him and began to rock back and forth. 

She was right: in their room, Jonathan and Elizabeth immediately fell together onto their bed without even a word about getting dressed. Enjoying the natural light, they made fast use of the bed, thrilling to the bright blue sky just outside the window as she rode him to two orgasms followed closely by one of his own. As they lay together in a brief afterglow before getting dressed, Jonathan said, "I hope we don't keep Irene and Benjamin waiting too long."

"I am sure they can find a way to alleviate their boredom, darling," Elizabeth said, and they both dissolved into peals of laughter. 

There was no need for explanations as the two couples arrived in the lobby within minutes of one another; and though none felt any need to hide anything, nor was anything acknowledged. Dressed warmly for the lakeside, they all enjoyed a leisurely stroll all along its perimeter, talking of dinner and the remainder of the weekend and the future, with no word on Tamara. All were somewhat fearful at first that she might be lingering about the grounds with a threat of retribution (which would have been empty, since Benjamin had been careful to leave her name off the reservation). But there was no indication that she remained, and therefore no need to discuss the war that had just been won.

So the mystery was to linger as to just what had become of Tamara. It would be resolved soon enough, as word inevitably got around through the baths and the pubs that poor Tamara had been in some sort of accident in the country. Something about being thrown from a horse into a stream, and having no option but to return on the train in her wet clothes, and being rather ill upon her return. Nothing a day in the infirmary could not set right, of course; but apparently the mishap had been distasteful enough for Tamara to change her mind about moving to Westfordshire City at all, and by the end of the week she had packed her bags and left on a morning train. Elizabeth and Irene would learn of all this from Eunice at the baths late the following week, replete with sincere apologies that their new friend's presence had been so fleeting. Those apologies, of course, were gracefully accepted, and the matter was not spoken of again. 

But all of that was of little consequence on that crisp but blissful Saturday afternoon by the lake. A long walk, a delightful dinner, followed by wine and dancing in the ground-floor ballroom where they all took turns with lover, friend and stranger alike, and a night that found little sleep but lots of joy in their respective fifth-floor rooms -- that was what mattered for the moment to Elizabeth, Jonathan, Irene and Benjamin. Love and friendship reigned; gloating over the spoils of war could wait.