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Family Responsibilities Ch. 01

By: Pandora33103



As I ride up into the drive I realize that I have no idea who this man is that I am supposed to be meeting. My brother, Joshua, told me that I had to come here and pick up a parcel that was very important to him, and he needed it before tomorrow morning. He would not tell me what this parcel is, so I am hoping that it is not to big that I can not carry it on old Charlie, our ever-faithful old horse. I must have missed something that he told me though, because he was insistent that I wear my best dress to come here. This is very bad to say, but I do not even know the name of the person living on the estate that marches with ours.

Looking at the mansion that is before me, I get this awful feeling that I shouldn't be here. There are no lights on except on the ground floor, and there, there are only a very few. I look down again at my dress. I should not have ridden here, but Joshua made it seem very urgent that I get here as soon as possible. Now my dress is crushed and I look like the country mouse that I am.

Before I have time to turn ole' Charlie around, the front door opens. As I look up at the man standing there I feel very nervous. It feels like he is staring through the exterior and seeing directly into my soul.

"You must be Maranda. Joshua said that you were lovely and I can see that for once he was not exaggerating." Walking down the steps toward me I see that this man is very rugged, far more than most men of his obvious class. He is dressed in the height of fashion, but on him it looks right. It is not overdone and it is not to fopish. By the time that he has reached my side I am feeling like there is a very large number of butterflies in my stomach and they have all chosen that moment to take flight. I find, as he looks up at me, that I cannot catch my breath.

"Maranda, please, let me help you down." Reaching up he grasps me about my waist. I am surprised by the strength that I feel in his hands, and when I place my hands on his arms I feel it there too. "Did Joshua tell you why he sent you here?"

Oh my! Suddenly it hits as to who this man is. He must be Sir William. I have heard stories of him. Our servants talk about him non-stop since he arrived back into these parts. I have tried not to listen, but there have been times that I find it very hard not to.

Finally I find my voice. "I am sorry, Sir William, but no, he did not tell me. He just said that I had to come over here and get something and that it was a matter of some urgency."

A strange look comes over his face for a brief moment before he places me on the ground. "Your brother did not tell you about what happened to him while he was in London?"

I instantly get somewhat suspicious, because, since Joshua has been back in the country, it has seemed like he has been nothing but agitated all the time. When I have inquired as to what was the matter, he would just tell me that it was something that I would find out about soon enough. I guess that now is the time for me to find out. "No, why? Does it concern me?"

Guiding me into the house, he puts his hand upon my shoulder. I try to, tactfully, get away, but he keeps his hand just where it is. When we get inside he gently takes my cloak from my shoulders and I shudder with a strange sensation when I feel his hand brush against the bare skin at the back of my neck. "Maranda, I can not believe that he did not tell you what you were really sent here for. I must admit that my opinion of your brother just became a lot lower." Guiding me into a room off the main entrance hall he again has his hand on the small of my back. "Will you please sit down? There are things that we must discuss, and decisions that must be made. I can see now that I was taken for a fool by your brother, and that is one thing that I do not like." Motioning me to a chaise lounge near the fire, he sits down in a chair just to the side of it. When I get my dress situated and I am as comfortable as I can be in the circumstances, Sir William brings out a small blanket to place over my legs. "Are you chilly? It must have been a cold ride over here. I am surprised that Joshua didn't at the very least send you with a buggy to ride in." 

I smile up at him. "Thank you, I am very comfortable. In answer to your question, we don't have anything other than ole' Charlie to get around on, so that was my only option. Speaking of which, I should have seen to his..."

"Do not worry, my Dear. Your horse has been taken care of. After we entered the house my man took him to a stall where he will be properly groomed and fed." 

"Thank you, Sir."

"Now, if you are ready, we have some serious things to discuss."

A feeling of apprehension steals over me. "I am ready."

"Good. Then let me tell you about your brother. While he was in London this last time he ran into a small problem at the gaming tables. Instead of cutting his losses and quitting at that time, he continued on gambling. The gentleman that he was gambling with was goading him on and would not let him stop. Your brother should have known better than to get into a game with him, but he didn't. By the time everything was said and done, your brother had lost everything. Now, before you jump to conclusions, I will tell you that I paid his debt. I like your brother, but he has to learn his lesson. I paid it with the express, written, contract that he will pay me back and will never go to London again." By now, any thought that I had in to the reason that I am here has left me. I have no idea what is going on. "Now, I know that you and your brother could never afford to pay off the debt with monetary means, so something else must be thought up. I have no wish to have another house, so that is out of the question. Do you have any ideas?"

I look at him with a stunned look on my face. "How much did my brother lose?"

"To this one gentleman, in excess of £100,000. To other gentlemen a few smaller amounts." When I hear how much Joshua owes, all the breath leaves my body. I feel weak and helpless as I look at Sir William. "I only tell you this so that we can decide something to which both parties will be in agreement as to the payment of these debts, as the last thing I would want to see is your brother going to prison." Stunned, I just stare at him. Getting up he goes over to a tray in the corner and pours a small glass of brandy. Bringing it back to me he kneels down and puts it to my lips. "Drink this. It will help you." Cautiously I take a sip and as I feel its warmth spreading through me it seems to bring me back to life as well.

Timidly I look up at Sir William. "Sir, what do you require? I do not wish my brother to go to prison either."

Sitting back down he once again takes on the air of almost indifference. "Well, according to your brother, your family has no money."

"That is correct."

"Then, it will have to be something different. Your brother said something about possibly having the debt worked off. That may be an option, but only if the right stipulations were set out at the beginning."

I am almost to scared to ask. "What stipulations would those be, Sir?"

"Well, after seeing you, I can see why he made the recommendation that he did. After speaking with your brother about this, he recommended that you be the one to work off the debt."

"Me, Sir? But I am sorry, Sir, I don't know how to do anything. I have never cleaned, and I am not sure what else there would be for me to do."

Getting up out of his chair he comes and sits down at the end of the chaise. Taking my hand into his, he looks into my eyes. "Maranda, Your brother's suggestion was that you work off the debt to me in my bed." Stunned, I stare at him for a long moment as he lets that suggestion seep in. When he can see that it has he continues. "I am not a hard task master, and I would do nothing that would in any way destroy your reputation. You would come here and stay with me until such a time as I deem the debt is fulfilled. If I go to London, you will stay here. I will dress you in all the finest clothes, and you will want for nothing. When we are finished, you will return home with all of the goods that I have given you and a tidy sum of cash with which to live on. While you are here, I will send to your estate, an agreed upon sum and by the time our liaison is completed, your estate will be, once again, the pride of the county as it should be." 

I must be dreaming. This can not be happening. "Joshua agreed to this?"

Gently he takes my hand into his. I can see compassion on his face. "Maranda, he was the one that suggested it." With that final blow my eyes go closed and I lose consciousness. 

When I next open my eyes Sir William is not in immediate sight. As soon as I look around though, I find him sitting in his chair once again. 

Gathering up all of my courage, I look at him and reply to the question that I see in his eyes. "It seems that this is the only way to keep our house and keep my brother out of prison. I must do it then. I see no other choice." Dejectedly, I hang my head.

I hear him get up out of his chair and out of the corner of my eye I can see him kneel down next to the lounge. Gently, he takes my hand into his own. "Maranda, you will not be sorry about this decision. I have made a values chart for each item, but until you are more knowledgeable in the fine arts, I will not let you see it. I will be keeping track though, of how much you work off. I will tell you this, though, for just agreeing to do this, you have earned £15.00. Tonight, I will let you get use to the idea, but tomorrow night your orientation will begin, and you will begin to earn your way out of my debt."

Even though I am still stunned at what has occurred in the short time that I have been here, I look up at him and meet his look with my own. "No. Tomorrow will be to late. We start tonight." Even I can hear a change in my voice. I almost sound dead to me. 

"Are you certain? I would never want to rush you into anything."

"If I am going to have to do this, then I may as well not put it off any longer than I must. Unfortunately, I know nothing about what occurs betwixt a man and woman when they have sex, so you will have to instruct me."

"Okay, Maranda, if that is how you want it, that is how it will be."

I take a deep breath and slowly let it out. "Sir William, please tell me what you want me to do."

"First, please call me William. If we are going to go through with this plan, then we may as well be on a first name basis. Wouldn't you agree?" Hesitantly I nod. "Good. Now that we have that out of the way, let us move on." Getting up out of his chair he reaches out his hand to me. Slowly I put my hand in his and he draws me to my feet. Guiding me upstairs I know what is going to happen. Tonight is the night that my future comes to an end. When we reach a door I know that this is it. I know that behind this door is his bedroom and after this I may as well belong to him because I will have to do what he tells me to.

"Maranda, if you want, you can do this tomorrow." I shake my head. "Okay then, come on in." When he opens the door I have to gasp. This room has obviously been the Master's room for many generations. "Please come in. This is the main room where the repayment will occur. There may be times, though, when I may want something from you in a different area of the house, but this is where we will mainly take care of business." I stop right where I am and look around the lush room.

"It is beautiful. I assume that I will be sleeping elsewhere though when you do not require my services?"

"That would be correct." Pointing to a door that I had not noticed before he lets me know that this is where my room is. "There is a closet in there if you would like to hang up your dress. Tomorrow I will have some young girls from the village come up here so that you can choose one to be your maid while you are here. Until then I will be happy to help you if you need it." I can feel the color surge up into my cheeks as I quickly look away in embarrassment. "Tonight you will find everything that you need in there. If you would like a bath, just let me know and I will let the servants know. Tomorrow I will introduce you to the servants that you will have the most contact with. They will look at you as the Lady of the Manor, and as such, you will be able to order them around. If you have any problems I want you to inform me at once."

"Yes, Sir, I will."

"Maranda, what have I asked you to call me?"

"I am sorry...William."

"Thank you. Now, why don't you go on through to your room and when you are ready we will begin your instruction. When you are ready, just come back in here and we will go from there."

"Thank you, William." I take a deep breath and slowly let it out. "I will be back shortly." As I walk into the other bedroom I marvel at how quickly my life has changed. Why did I agree to this? I should have let Joshua go to the debtor's prison. At least then I would be able to avoid this. I have to hope that none of our neighbors or family find out about this. If they do it will be such a scandal that I will never be able to show my face around here again. When I step into the bedroom I gasp. It has to be, without a doubt, the most beautiful room that I have ever seen.

As I look about in my amazement I see the closet where William said to hang my dress. As I walk over to the closet I unfasten my dress. By the time I am standing in front of the closet I am able to let my dress slip to the floor. Upon opening the door, I am stunned to see that it is filled with dresses in every color of the rainbow. "I hope that you like them." Unbeknown to me, William had followed me. Placing his hands on my shoulders he gently turns me around. Looking into my eyes he whispers: "Have you ever been kissed by a man that wasn't a family member?" "William, I have never been kissed by any man."

"I thought so." I watch his head lower slowly towards mine, until just before his lips touch mine I close my eyes. When his lips meet mine I feel a sudden sensation in my stomach. I try to get away, but I don't try that hard. His arms wrap around me and pull me so close that I can feel his heart beating against mine. Breaking the kiss he draws a deep and ragged breath.

"Maranda, I want you so bad. I am so scared of frightening you though."

"Don't be. I can handle anything that you want to do to me."

"If you are sure of that, then please, come back into my room." Dressed only in my chemise I go back through the door to his room. As soon as we enter it I notice that he has blown out all of the candles and that the only light is coming from the fire. Putting his hands on my shoulders he brushes the straps aside and my chemise falls to the floor. Stepping back William looks at my body as I stand there in front of the fire. "Maranda, I have never seen such perfection." I lower my eyes and find that he doesn't like that. Gently tipping my head up he looks down into my eyes. "Maranda, please don't ever feel ashamed. Not with me."

Looking up into his eyes I see something that I hadn't expected -- tenderness. "William to say that I am scared of what is going to happen would be an understatement. I will not back out though. I have given my word and I will honor it."

"Why don't you go lay down in the bed and I will join you there momentarily." As I scurry to the enclosed bed I hear his robe fall to the floor. "Maranda, I don't want you to be frightened, so please close your eyes." I close my eyes until after I feel him get into bed next to me. "Maranda, I need you to just relax. If you are tense or nervous it will just be harder on you. Has anyone ever said anything to you about what happens betwixt a man and a woman?"

I swallow hard. "No, no one has ever told me anything about it. I guess my husband was supposed to teach me. I have absolutely no idea what happens. I guess that instruction now falls on your shoulders."

"Okay, well I will tell you that the first time for the woman is very hard. When I join our bodies together for the first time it will hurt you. How much it hurts depends on how relaxed or tense you are. Now I will touch you in ways that should help you relax. It may seem odd at first, but in the end it will be pleasurable."

Gently he places a hand on my breast and starts to caress it. Not knowing how to respond I just lay there. I jump a little when I feel his hand going down to an area in between my legs. "Maranda, this is where I will join our bodies together. I need to make sure that you are ready before that joining though." I feel his finger start to rub me in a place that I didn't know existed before now. When I feel that same finger start to insert itself into me I tense up somewhat, until I feel it working back and forth, thrusting in and out of me. It is almost like flint to an unkindled fire that is ready to be lit. "Well, Joshua was right about one thing, you are still an intact virgin. You are very tight." Taking my hand in his he rubs it down his chest until I reach something very large and very hard. "This is my manhood. It will be with this that I am going to join our two bodies together." Rolling over me, I feel him press into me. "Oh my! You are tighter than I thought you would be." I try not to cry out at the feeling that I am being torn apart, but I cannot help it when he pulls almost all of the way out and plunges fully into me. Involuntarily I scream in pain. William stays where he is in me, not moving at all.

"Maranda, are you okay?" There is gentleness and urgency in his voice. "Maranda, please look at me." I open my eyes and in the dim light coming from the fire I see his face. Concern is evident by the softness that I sense in him when I finally catch my breath. "Maranda, I am so sorry that it hurt you that much. Are you okay now?" Surprisingly the pain from the initial entry has abated somewhat so I nod my head. Immediately he pulls almost all of the way out, but before I can feel any relief he rams back into me. I cry out, but more from the pressure than any pain. "Maranda?" I take a deep breath and nod. Picking up the pace he slams into me harder and faster. I feel like the flint has ignited a spark and it is now a raging fire within me until with a shout from him there is an explosion behind my closed eyes as the pleasure bursts within me. William rolls off and out of me.

"Maranda, please tell me that I did not hurt you to much."

I smile up at him and reach out to caress his face. "Do not worry, William, I am okay. I just never expected it to be like that." I hesitate before I ask what is on my mind.

Sensing the hesitation, William gathers me close. "What is it, Maranda? You must know that you can ask me anything. I will answer you truthfully, if I can."

"William, will it hurt the next time?" Before I can stop them the words come out of my mouth.

"No, Maranda, it will not hurt as much, if at all, next time. Now, just relax and sleep." Gently he kisses me.

"William, I uh, I need to..."

Smiling, he snuggles a little closer. "Maranda, if you are worried because it feels wet, don't be. Would you like to go and wash in your own room?" I nod my head. "Okay, I'll ring and have a bath prepared for you in your room. In the meantime, why do you not just stay right there and relax. I will be back momentarily. As he gets out of bed, I see his body in the light from the fire. I have to stare at him. His body is perfect. Wide shoulders lead to an incredibly hard chest. My eyes wander lower to his trim lean waist. As I see his manhood for the first time I have to gasp. Now I know why it hurt so much. He is very large.

At my gasp he looks back to the bed. "Maranda, I should have warned you not to look."

As I stare at him my eyes roam again over his body until they come to his handsome face and he begins to smile. There is one question that is very unladylike, but I just have to ask it. "Are you what would be considered very large?"


Family Responsibilities Ch. 01



I guess my innocence amused him because he chuckles before he answers. "Out of all of my brothers I was always the largest -- in everything, this being one of them. So, in answer to your question, yes, I am very large."

"Would it have hurt less if you were not so large?"

"I am sure that if I were not as large as I am it would not have hurt you as much, yes." I settle back in his bed and watch him slip back into his robe. Looking around I see that in the firelight the room has taken on a completely different character.

"Maranda?" His voice startles me.

"Yes, William?"

"Your bath is ready for you in your room. I have brought you a robe that you can put on so you do not feel as exposed as I am sure that you otherwise would." I get up from his bed and he gently places the robe over my shoulders. "You do not have to worry. For the rest of the night I will leave you alone. You are bound to be a bit sore as the night wears on. We will continue this in a few days. Do not think that by any means that there will be no contact between us though. Your body is still mine to caress and kiss whenever I may want to, no matter where we are. Now, until the debt is repaid, you belong to me, body and soul. "Yes, William." With his words echoing in my head I go into my room and take a nice relaxing soak in the bath. As I ride up into the drive I realize that I have no idea who this man is that I am supposed to be meeting. My brother, Joshua, told me that I had to come here and pick up a parcel that was very important to him, and he needed it before tomorrow morning. He would not tell me what this parcel is, so I am hoping that it is not to big that I can not carry it on old Charlie, our ever-faithful old horse. I must have missed something that he told me though, because he was insistent that I wear my best dress to come here. This is very bad to say, but I do not even know the name of the person living on the estate that marches with ours.

Looking at the mansion that is before me, I get this awful feeling that I shouldn't be here. There are no lights on except on the ground floor, and there, there are only a very few. I look down again at my dress. I should not have ridden here, but Joshua made it seem very urgent that I get here as soon as possible. Now my dress is crushed and I look like the country mouse that I am.

Before I have time to turn ole' Charlie around, the front door opens. As I look up at the man standing there I feel very nervous. It feels like he is staring through the exterior and seeing directly into my soul.

"You must be Maranda. Joshua said that you were lovely and I can see that for once he was not exaggerating." Walking down the steps toward me I see that this man is very rugged, far more than most men of his obvious class. He is dressed in the height of fashion, but on him it looks right. It is not overdone and it is not to fopish. By the time that he has reached my side I am feeling like there is a very large number of butterflies in my stomach and they have all chosen that moment to take flight. I find, as he looks up at me, that I cannot catch my breath.

"Maranda, please, let me help you down." Reaching up he grasps me about my waist. I am surprised by the strength that I feel in his hands, and when I place my hands on his arms I feel it there too. "Did Joshua tell you why he sent you here?"

Oh my! Suddenly it hits as to who this man is. He must be Sir William. I have heard stories of him. Our servants talk about him non-stop since he arrived back into these parts. I have tried not to listen, but there have been times that I find it very hard not to.

Finally I find my voice. "I am sorry, Sir William, but no, he did not tell me. He just said that I had to come over here and get something and that it was a matter of some urgency."

A strange look comes over his face for a brief moment before he places me on the ground. "Your brother did not tell you about what happened to him while he was in London?"

I instantly get somewhat suspicious, because, since Joshua has been back in the country, it has seemed like he has been nothing but agitated all the time. When I have inquired as to what was the matter, he would just tell me that it was something that I would find out about soon enough. I guess that now is the time for me to find out. "No, why? Does it concern me?"

Guiding me into the house, he puts his hand upon my shoulder. I try to, tactfully, get away, but he keeps his hand just where it is. When we get inside he gently takes my cloak from my shoulders and I shudder with a strange sensation when I feel his hand brush against the bare skin at the back of my neck. "Maranda, I can not believe that he did not tell you what you were really sent here for. I must admit that my opinion of your brother just became a lot lower." Guiding me into a room off the main entrance hall he again has his hand on the small of my back. "Will you please sit down? There are things that we must discuss, and decisions that must be made. I can see now that I was taken for a fool by your brother, and that is one thing that I do not like." Motioning me to a chaise lounge near the fire, he sits down in a chair just to the side of it. When I get my dress situated and I am as comfortable as I can be in the circumstances, Sir William brings out a small blanket to place over my legs. "Are you chilly? It must have been a cold ride over here. I am surprised that Joshua didn't at the very least send you with a buggy to ride in." 

I smile up at him. "Thank you, I am very comfortable. In answer to your question, we don't have anything other than ole' Charlie to get around on, so that was my only option. Speaking of which, I should have seen to his..."

"Do not worry, my Dear. Your horse has been taken care of. After we entered the house my man took him to a stall where he will be properly groomed and fed." 

"Thank you, Sir."

"Now, if you are ready, we have some serious things to discuss."

A feeling of apprehension steals over me. "I am ready."

"Good. Then let me tell you about your brother. While he was in London this last time he ran into a small problem at the gaming tables. Instead of cutting his losses and quitting at that time, he continued on gambling. The gentleman that he was gambling with was goading him on and would not let him stop. Your brother should have known better than to get into a game with him, but he didn't. By the time everything was said and done, your brother had lost everything. Now, before you jump to conclusions, I will tell you that I paid his debt. I like your brother, but he has to learn his lesson. I paid it with the express, written, contract that he will pay me back and will never go to London again." By now, any thought that I had in to the reason that I am here has left me. I have no idea what is going on. "Now, I know that you and your brother could never afford to pay off the debt with monetary means, so something else must be thought up. I have no wish to have another house, so that is out of the question. Do you have any ideas?"

I look at him with a stunned look on my face. "How much did my brother lose?"

"To this one gentleman, in excess of £100,000. To other gentlemen a few smaller amounts." When I hear how much Joshua owes, all the breath leaves my body. I feel weak and helpless as I look at Sir William. "I only tell you this so that we can decide something to which both parties will be in agreement as to the payment of these debts, as the last thing I would want to see is your brother going to prison." Stunned, I just stare at him. Getting up he goes over to a tray in the corner and pours a small glass of brandy. Bringing it back to me he kneels down and puts it to my lips. "Drink this. It will help you." Cautiously I take a sip and as I feel its warmth spreading through me it seems to bring me back to life as well.

Timidly I look up at Sir William. "Sir, what do you require? I do not wish my brother to go to prison either."

Sitting back down he once again takes on the air of almost indifference. "Well, according to your brother, your family has no money."

"That is correct."

"Then, it will have to be something different. Your brother said something about possibly having the debt worked off. That may be an option, but only if the right stipulations were set out at the beginning."

I am almost to scared to ask. "What stipulations would those be, Sir?"

"Well, after seeing you, I can see why he made the recommendation that he did. After speaking with your brother about this, he recommended that you be the one to work off the debt."

"Me, Sir? But I am sorry, Sir, I don't know how to do anything. I have never cleaned, and I am not sure what else there would be for me to do."

Getting up out of his chair he comes and sits down at the end of the chaise. Taking my hand into his, he looks into my eyes. "Maranda, Your brother's suggestion was that you work off the debt to me in my bed." Stunned, I stare at him for a long moment as he lets that suggestion seep in. When he can see that it has he continues. "I am not a hard task master, and I would do nothing that would in any way destroy your reputation. You would come here and stay with me until such a time as I deem the debt is fulfilled. If I go to London, you will stay here. I will dress you in all the finest clothes, and you will want for nothing. When we are finished, you will return home with all of the goods that I have given you and a tidy sum of cash with which to live on. While you are here, I will send to your estate, an agreed upon sum and by the time our liaison is completed, your estate will be, once again, the pride of the county as it should be." 

I must be dreaming. This can not be happening. "Joshua agreed to this?"

Gently he takes my hand into his. I can see compassion on his face. "Maranda, he was the one that suggested it." With that final blow my eyes go closed and I lose consciousness. 

When I next open my eyes Sir William is not in immediate sight. As soon as I look around though, I find him sitting in his chair once again. 

Gathering up all of my courage, I look at him and reply to the question that I see in his eyes. "It seems that this is the only way to keep our house and keep my brother out of prison. I must do it then. I see no other choice." Dejectedly, I hang my head.

I hear him get up out of his chair and out of the corner of my eye I can see him kneel down next to the lounge. Gently, he takes my hand into his own. "Maranda, you will not be sorry about this decision. I have made a values chart for each item, but until you are more knowledgeable in the fine arts, I will not let you see it. I will be keeping track though, of how much you work off. I will tell you this, though, for just agreeing to do this, you have earned £15.00. Tonight, I will let you get use to the idea, but tomorrow night your orientation will begin, and you will begin to earn your way out of my debt."

Even though I am still stunned at what has occurred in the short time that I have been here, I look up at him and meet his look with my own. "No. Tomorrow will be to late. We start tonight." Even I can hear a change in my voice. I almost sound dead to me. 

"Are you certain? I would never want to rush you into anything."

"If I am going to have to do this, then I may as well not put it off any longer than I must. Unfortunately, I know nothing about what occurs betwixt a man and woman when they have sex, so you will have to instruct me."

"Okay, Maranda, if that is how you want it, that is how it will be."

I take a deep breath and slowly let it out. "Sir William, please tell me what you want me to do."

"First, please call me William. If we are going to go through with this plan, then we may as well be on a first name basis. Wouldn't you agree?" Hesitantly I nod. "Good. Now that we have that out of the way, let us move on." Getting up out of his chair he reaches out his hand to me. Slowly I put my hand in his and he draws me to my feet. Guiding me upstairs I know what is going to happen. Tonight is the night that my future comes to an end. When we reach a door I know that this is it. I know that behind this door is his bedroom and after this I may as well belong to him because I will have to do what he tells me to.

"Maranda, if you want, you can do this tomorrow." I shake my head. "Okay then, come on in." When he opens the door I have to gasp. This room has obviously been the Master's room for many generations. "Please come in. This is the main room where the repayment will occur. There may be times, though, when I may want something from you in a different area of the house, but this is where we will mainly take care of business." I stop right where I am and look around the lush room.

"It is beautiful. I assume that I will be sleeping elsewhere though when you do not require my services?"

"That would be correct." Pointing to a door that I had not noticed before he lets me know that this is where my room is. "There is a closet in there if you would like to hang up your dress. Tomorrow I will have some young girls from the village come up here so that you can choose one to be your maid while you are here. Until then I will be happy to help you if you need it." I can feel the color surge up into my cheeks as I quickly look away in embarrassment. "Tonight you will find everything that you need in there. If you would like a bath, just let me know and I will let the servants know. Tomorrow I will introduce you to the servants that you will have the most contact with. They will look at you as the Lady of the Manor, and as such, you will be able to order them around. If you have any problems I want you to inform me at once."

"Yes, Sir, I will."

"Maranda, what have I asked you to call me?"

"I am sorry...William."

"Thank you. Now, why don't you go on through to your room and when you are ready we will begin your instruction. When you are ready, just come back in here and we will go from there."

"Thank you, William." I take a deep breath and slowly let it out. "I will be back shortly." As I walk into the other bedroom I marvel at how quickly my life has changed. Why did I agree to this? I should have let Joshua go to the debtor's prison. At least then I would be able to avoid this. I have to hope that none of our neighbors or family find out about this. If they do it will be such a scandal that I will never be able to show my face around here again. When I step into the bedroom I gasp. It has to be, without a doubt, the most beautiful room that I have ever seen.

As I look about in my amazement I see the closet where William said to hang my dress. As I walk over to the closet I unfasten my dress. By the time I am standing in front of the closet I am able to let my dress slip to the floor. Upon opening the door, I am stunned to see that it is filled with dresses in every color of the rainbow.

"I hope that you like them." Unbeknown to me, William had followed me. Placing his hands on my shoulders he gently turns me around. Looking into my eyes he whispers: "Have you ever been kissed by a man that wasn't a family member?"

"William, I have never been kissed by any man."

"I thought so." I watch his head lower slowly towards mine, until just before his lips touch mine I close my eyes. When his lips meet mine I feel a sudden sensation in my stomach. I try to get away, but I don't try that hard. His arms wrap around me and pull me so close that I can feel his heart beating against mine. Breaking the kiss he draws a deep and ragged breath.

"Maranda, I want you so bad. I am so scared of frightening you though."

"Don't be. I can handle anything that you want to do to me."

"If you are sure of that, then please, come back into my room." Dressed only in my chemise I go back through the door to his room. As soon as we enter it I notice that he has blown out all of the candles and that the only light is coming from the fire. Putting his hands on my shoulders he brushes the straps aside and my chemise falls to the floor. Stepping back William looks at my body as I stand there in front of the fire. "Maranda, I have never seen such perfection." I lower my eyes and find that he doesn't like that. Gently tipping my head up he looks down into my eyes. "Maranda, please don't ever feel ashamed. Not with me."

Looking up into his eyes I see something that I hadn't expected -- tenderness. "William to say that I am scared of what is going to happen would be an understatement. I will not back out though. I have given my word and I will honor it."

"Why don't you go lay down in the bed and I will join you there momentarily." As I scurry to the enclosed bed I hear his robe fall to the floor. "Maranda, I don't want you to be frightened, so please close your eyes." I close my eyes until after I feel him get into bed next to me. "Maranda, I need you to just relax. If you are tense or nervous it will just be harder on you. Has anyone ever said anything to you about what happens betwixt a man and a woman?"

I swallow hard. "No, no one has ever told me anything about it. I guess my husband was supposed to teach me. I have absolutely no idea what happens. I guess that instruction now falls on your shoulders."

"Okay, well I will tell you that the first time for the woman is very hard. When I join our bodies together for the first time it will hurt you. How much it hurts depends on how relaxed or tense you are. Now I will touch you in ways that should help you relax. It may seem odd at first, but in the end it will be pleasurable."

Gently he places a hand on my breast and starts to caress it. Not knowing how to respond I just lay there. I jump a little when I feel his hand going down to an area in between my legs. "Maranda, this is where I will join our bodies together. I need to make sure that you are ready before that joining though." I feel his finger start to rub me in a place that I didn't know existed before now. When I feel that same finger start to insert itself into me I tense up somewhat, until I feel it working back and forth, thrusting in and out of me. It is almost like flint to an unkindled fire that is ready to be lit. "Well, Joshua was right about one thing, you are still an intact virgin. You are very tight." Taking my hand in his he rubs it down his chest until I reach something very large and very hard. "This is my manhood. It will be with this that I am going to join our two bodies together." Rolling over me, I feel him press into me. "Oh my! You are tighter than I thought you would be." I try not to cry out at the feeling that I am being torn apart, but I cannot help it when he pulls almost all of the way out and plunges fully into me. Involuntarily I scream in pain. William stays where he is in me, not moving at all.

"Maranda, are you okay?" There is gentleness and urgency in his voice. "Maranda, please look at me." I open my eyes and in the dim light coming from the fire I see his face. Concern is evident by the softness that I sense in him when I finally catch my breath. "Maranda, I am so sorry that it hurt you that much. Are you okay now?" Surprisingly the pain from the initial entry has abated somewhat so I nod my head. Immediately he pulls almost all of the way out, but before I can feel any relief he rams back into me. I cry out, but more from the pressure than any pain. "Maranda?" I take a deep breath and nod. Picking up the pace he slams into me harder and faster. I feel like the flint has ignited a spark and it is now a raging fire within me until with a shout from him there is an explosion behind my closed eyes as the pleasure bursts within me. William rolls off and out of me.

"Maranda, please tell me that I did not hurt you to much."

I smile up at him and reach out to caress his face. "Do not worry, William, I am okay. I just never expected it to be like that." I hesitate before I ask what is on my mind.




Family Responsibilities Ch. 01



Sensing the hesitation, William gathers me close. "What is it, Maranda? You must know that you can ask me anything. I will answer you truthfully, if I can."

"William, will it hurt the next time?" Before I can stop them the words come out of my mouth.

"No, Maranda, it will not hurt as much, if at all, next time. Now, just relax and sleep." Gently he kisses me.

"William, I uh, I need to..."

Smiling, he snuggles a little closer. "Maranda, if you are worried because it feels wet, don't be. Would you like to go and wash in your own room?" I nod my head. "Okay, I'll ring and have a bath prepared for you in your room. In the meantime, why do you not just stay right there and relax. I will be back momentarily.

As he gets out of bed, I see his body in the light from the fire. I have to stare at him. His body is perfect. Wide shoulders lead to an incredibly hard chest. My eyes wander lower to his trim lean waist. As I see his manhood for the first time I have to gasp. Now I know why it hurt so much. He is very large.

At my gasp he looks back to the bed. "Maranda, I should have warned you not to look."

As I stare at him my eyes roam again over his body until they come to his handsome face and he begins to smile. There is one question that is very unladylike, but I just have to ask it. "Are you what would be considered very large?"

I guess my innocence amused him because he chuckles before he answers. "Out of all of my brothers I was always the largest -- in everything, this being one of them. So, in answer to your question, yes, I am very large."

"Would it have hurt less if you were not so large?"

"I am sure that if I were not as large as I am it would not have hurt you as much, yes."

I settle back in his bed and watch him slip back into his robe. Looking around I see that in the firelight the room has taken on a completely different character.

"Maranda?" His voice startles me.

"Yes, William?"

"Your bath is ready for you in your room. I have brought you a robe that you can put on so you do not feel as exposed as I am sure that you otherwise would." I get up from his bed and he gently places the robe over my shoulders. "You do not have to worry. For the rest of the night I will leave you alone. You are bound to be a bit sore as the night wears on. We will continue this in a few days. Do not think that by any means that there will be no contact between us though. Your body is still mine to caress and kiss whenever I may want to, no matter where we are. Now, until the debt is repaid, you belong to me, body and soul.

"Yes, William." With his words echoing in my head I go into my room and take a nice relaxing soak in the bath. 



Family Responsibilities Ch. 02



As the first month draws to a close I realize that I have not heard a thing from my brother. I half expected him to come to my rescue when he realized that I had not come home that first night. I guess I was hoping against hope. For the most part I cannot complain about my treatment here. William has been courtesy itself towards me. Since that first night he has taken me only at night and only in his bedroom. Yes, there have been times when we are in the study that he will loosen the bodice of my gown to caress or suckle upon my breasts. When he does that I have learned that he will be very forceful at night.

I turn from my thoughts when I hear a carriage pulling up to the door. I glance up through the open portal and freeze in shock when I see my uncle, the vicar, climbing down. Before he can notice me though I scurry up the stairs. William is just coming out of his room when he sees me pressed against the wall. "Maranda, what is it?"

"William, the vicar is here."

He hesitates before answering, almost as if he is waiting for me to continue. "Is there a problem with him being here?"

Nervously I turn toward William. "The vicar is my uncle. I am not completely sure, but I think he is also my guardian until I am 21."

Shock registers on his face. "You are not yet 21?" I shake my head. "How old are you?"

Quickly I put his mind to rest. "I am 20. I will be 21 in three months time."

"Joshua should have told me all of this. I would have done things very differently if I had known that you are still under a guardian's care."

"Do not worry about that. He has not even acknowledged our existence since coming to the funeral of my parents." He looks a little skeptical so I try again to set his mind at ease. "I would be willing to say that he does not even know when my birthday is, so if you were to tell him that my birthday is past, he would probably believe you."

Smiling, he places his hands on my shoulders and looks into my eyes. "Maranda, if what you say is true, then I am sure that he is not here because of you. He is probably here to get a donation for the vicarage or something. Now, I don't want you to worry yourself.

"I have a special night planned for us, but you have to be very relaxed to get any enjoyment out of it. I have ordered for a hot, scented bath to be to be awaiting you in your room. After that you are to lay down and rest until your maid comes to dress you. I have already instructed her as to what you are to wear. So, Maranda, just relax for the rest of the day and let me do the worrying."

I smile at him and he gently places a kiss on my forehead. "Thank you, William."

"You are welcome, my Dear." With that, he proceeds down the hall to the stairs. I hear him going down the staircase and greeting my uncle before I go into my room.

After a very long nap I am awakened by the feeling of hands running all over my body. Upon sensing that I am awake he kisses me hard.

"Maranda, I need you to get on your hands and knees." At my look of disbelief he chuckles. "Yes, you heard me right. On your hands and knees." This time his voice had a sliver of steel going through it. Without questioning I get up on my hands and knees. 

Before I realize what he has in mind he has rammed himself into me drawing a startled scream from me. Roughly he pounds into me again and again. Each time it feels like he gets harder. Finally, with a shout, he rams into me one more time and then he is still. When he pulls out I fall forward on the bed, crying.

"Maranda, are you okay? I am so sorry about being so rough. You do not know it but I was watching you while you were sleeping. Watching you I became so aroused that I needed you right away." As I look at William there must have been some fear showing on my face because he is instantly contrite. "Maranda, I am so sorry. I would never hurt you deliberately. Please, Maranda, please say that we are still okay and that you will still stay with me."

I get up off the bed and slowly walk to the fireplace. Thankfully there is a small fire going because all of a sudden I am very cold. After contemplating the small flames flickering against the wood, I turn back toward the bed. "William, I cannot say that I enjoyed that, but I understand that I cannot say no to you. What you tell me I must do. Even if I do not like it, I must do it."

Thoughtfully, William looks at me. "Maranda, how much do you mean what you just said?" I can see that he has something in his mind and I tell him to please tell me what it is. "Maranda, tonight I was going to do something to you, but considering what I just did, I am thinking that we should postpone it. I just do not think it would be wise."

"William, what were you going to do?"

"Maranda, I was going to do something tonight that would have felt very wrong to you. It may even hurt you. Therefore, upon thinking it over again, I will hold off on that for now." 

When I inquire as to what it was that he was going to do, he informs me that he was going to initiate me into taking his cock in my backside. "Would that not hurt?"

"It would hurt you to much, I am thinking, so that is why I am going to rethink that. Tonight I have other things planned. First though, why don't we get you dressed, then I am going to show you the sheet that I keep track of everything on and show you how much you have earned toward your brother's debt." Getting up he goes over to the closet and chooses a dress that buttons up the front. It is almost a peasant style with a red bodice and skirt over a white blouse. Intricate embroidery encircles that base of the skirt. 

"William, I have never seen anything so beautiful, let alone owned such a wondrous dress. Thank you so much!" Walking over to him I reach up and give him a kiss.

"You are very welcome, My Dear."

After helping me to get it fastened correctly he leads me into the parlor. "Maranda, we need to talk." I sit down in chair across from him. "That first night, it seems so long ago now, I told you that I had a list with all the values on it. Here is the list." Handing me a sheaf of paper he continues. "On the second page and following is what you have earned so far. Tonight's activities are not figured in there yet." As I look over the list on the first page I see that there are a lot of things listed on there that I have no idea what they are. Glancing up at William I can see that he is watching me and he has that look in his eyes again. 

"Maranda, I can't help it. Tonight I can't seem to get enough of you. Please stand up and go over to the side table and bend over it." Doing as he says, I feel almost like I have no control over my own body. He speaks and I obey. Laying my torso on the table I pull up the back of my skirt. I can hear him behind my loosening his trousers. Without any warning he slams his manhood into me harder than he has ever before. Screaming in surprise, I tense up a bit. "Don't tense, Maranda. That will just make it worse." Pulling out I hear him sigh. Harder and harder he slams back into me until, blessedly, I feel no more and I fall forward in a dead faint. 

When I open my eyes I see him sitting there next to where I am now laying on the rug in front of the fire. "Maranda, are you okay? I am so sorry that I was so rough with you."

I try to sit up, but find that I am very sore. Slowly I try again and this time prop myself up with my elbows. "Yes, William, I am fine. I don't know what came over me." 

"Just as long as you are okay, that is all that matters."

"I am okay. Please don't worry about it."

"Okay then." Standing up, he goes over to the papers that I had left on the chair, but somehow they got moved to his desk. "While you were out, I did a little bit of figuring. From what I have learned about you today, and what you have allowed me to do tonight, you are almost there in getting your brother's debt paid off. I will say that it will only take you another week or so to finish it off."

I stare at him in astonishment. "William, you were talking, at the beginning of this venture, that this would take months, not weeks. What changed your mind?"

I can see that he is searching for words. Finally he makes up his mind. "To be very honest with you, it is your age. I did not realize that you are as young as you are. If I had known that at the outset, I would not have agreed to this plan. I would have found another way for the money to be paid back. After tonight, you only have £10,000 left to repay. As I said, that should be paid off in the next couple of weeks. 

After my conversation with your uncle today, I am quite assured that he does, indeed, know nothing at all about our deal. However, he did tell me that I had better not, in any way, compromise you because you have been betrothed since you were an infant to a wealthy neighbor's son. If that betrothal should have to be broken for any reason then it would cause, and here I am using your uncle's words, such a scandal that she would never live it down." He pauses as if to let me understand what he just told me. When he sees that I do he continues. "Seeing as how you have been already compromised, what would you have me to do for you?"

I think for a minute as to who it could be that I am betrothed to, since this is the first time I am hearing about it. Suddenly it hits me. It has to be that one boy that none of the neighbors like. He is the only one that I can think of. Without any more hesitation I look at William and give him my answer. "I want you to compromise me in such a way that there is no way that he would ever take me to be his wife. I would rather die than marry that person."

William thinks for a moment before responding. "If you are sure about this, then I will do just as you have asked. I will compromise you so that no one will want to marry you. You are sure that is what you want though, isn't it? You would never marry, and when your brother does marry, you will go to live in one of the houses on the estate. Does that meet with your satisfaction?"

"Yes. Do what must be done. As I have said, I would rather die than marry that man. I would rather spend the rest of my life a spinster than be married to that man, for I know that I would not live long married to him."

"Then it is agreed. Tomorrow we shall start your public compromising. Do not be surprised at anything that I do then or ask of you, for I may ask you to service me in places that would not normally be used for such."

A shiver of anticipation courses through my body. "I agree to your terms."

Coming down on the rug next to me, he gently takes me into his arms and kisses me. "Now that we have that decided, what say you to a lovely dinner?" I nod. Getting up, he reaches down his hand to help me to my feet. "I will fetch your cloak for you, if you will meet me by the front entry-way." I agree and we part ways.

A few moments later, as we are riding through the countryside in an enclosed coach, I realize that I feel no apprehension in the agreement that was finalized tonight. I know that William would never seriously injure me, and that is my only concern. I have never feared William as I would Robert. Robert is known, far and wide, for his cruelty to children and animals alike. It is said that he killed a young lamb with his bare hands for just walking across his path. Having heard this and other rumors that were no less terrifying, I must do something that will keep him away from me permanently. 

Breaking into my thoughts I hear William's voice. "What are you thinking about so seriously? I hope that you are not having second thoughts over our agreement?"

"No, William. Quite the opposite in fact. I am thanking the gods that you are going to save me from having to marry him."

"Do I get to know who this monster is that you are so terrified of that you would rather be publicly used and compromised than marry him?" I hesitate for a moment before answering. "It is Robert. He is such a beast that no one else would have him for a husband. He has been horrible since I can remember."

"If he is so horrible, then why would they agree to betroth you to him?"

"Because, by the time that I was born he was already showing some signs of being an inhuman monster, but everyone thought that he would just grow out of it. He didn't. He has gotten worse by the year. I can vaguely remember my parents talking between themselves as to how they could break the betrothal and afford it. My uncle is the one that made it."

Nodding, William sits back in the corner of the coach. "Well, don't think about it for tonight. We have a special treat awaiting us, and I am sure that you will like it. You see, there are gypsies that camp on my land every year when they come through. I give them some work and they earn some money, and they, in turn, let me bring someone to their camp. I never have, until tonight. There is going to be a large feast and dancing as it is the chief's daughter's wedding night. You will see others making love, and I am told that the music of the gypsies stirs a woman's being so that she can not help but fall into her man's arms so he can carry her off to the nearest place they can make love." 

I have to chuckle a bit. "So my public compromising starts tonight, does it?"

With a voice that is a bit sharper than I have heard before, he denies that theory. "That wasn't my plan at all. I am just saying that if it happens, not to be surprised." So saying he settles back in the corner again and refuses to say any more.

When we arrive at the gypsy camp I am at once in awe of the women. It is obvious who the chief's daughter is, since she is wearing a dress similar to mine, but the number of coins that she has around her forehead is greater than any other of the women. William opens the door to help me out and instantly every eye in the camp is drawn to us. A man, who is bigger than any man I have ever seen, comes over to us with outstretched hands. "Welcome to our humble camp, Sir William. It has been entirely to long since you have graced us with your presence. We welcome you and your lady as we welcome a long lost family member. Welcome."

"Thank you, Ranulf. We appreciate your warm welcome and your hospitality. We have brought a little something for the bride and groom." Reaching into the coach he pulls out a cloth bag that is full of bread, cloth and wine. 

"Sir, you need not bring a gift. After all, you are the founder of this feast! If it were not for you generosity in letting us camp here every time we come through, we would not be celebrating this marriage. You see, 19 years ago, when we came through and stayed here, my daughter was conceived. So you see, your family has been good to us. Now we would repay the kindness with kindness." Turning to the men who were standing behind him he made a motion and they pull out instruments of every kind. When they start to play William and I find a place to sit down on the ground a little bit apart from everyone else.

When a woman appears, as if from nowhere, and hands us two plates that are piled high with food I am not even surprised. The music had begun to weave it's spell over me already. Without paying attention to what or how much I was eating I quickly finished my plate. Looking over at William I saw that, he too, had finished. 

Reaching his hands out to me I never even try to stop him as he unbuttons my bodice and my blouse. In turn I reach out and take off his shirt. When dancing starts around the fire it completely captivates me. The movement of the women's bodies as they keep in time with the music is almost hypnotic. I somewhat notice that most of them are not wearing any tops. Their bodies move in time with the music almost as if they were making love to it instead of just dancing to it. Closing my eyes I let the spell of the night wash over me. 

I never notice when William lays me back and removes the rest of my clothing. When I feel him gently enter me I sigh and press my body up close to his. "Maranda, I never thought you would be this passionate." Gently he thrusts his body against mine and mine answers in kind. "Ohhhhh, Maranda, I never knew that you could be like this. You are perfect." Matching his rhythm, I keep in time with him and with the music that seems to fill my whole being. This is not the hurried coupling that happened earlier tonight. No indeed, this is a slow, gentle, methodical, merging of two souls. Again and again he thrusts into me and I press back up against him until with a shout I feel him go still inside of me and it is almost like an explosion has gone off inside my body as behind my closed eyelids I see the brightest flares I have ever seen in my life. Simultaneously we cry out in unison. Covering my body with his he kisses me again and again. "Maranda, you are the best thing that ever happened to me."

I can hear what he is saying, but I am feeling so out of touch with everything that is going on that I find I couldn't answer if I wanted to. Wrapped in William's strong arms I fall fast asleep.

Much later in the night I awake to find myself being carried, naked, toward the awaiting coach. Very gently William lays me on the back seat as he takes the other one, after covering me with his cloak. Murmuring, I roll a little farther back on the seat and go back to sleep. I never notice when we arrive back at his house or when he carries me inside and up the stairs to lay me gently on my bed and cover me with the down filled quilts that are awaiting my return. 



Family Responsibilities Ch. 03



Upon waking up the next morning I can sense right away that something is different. It seems that it is unusually quiet in the house. I normally hear the servants going about their work, but I don't hear anything right now. Quickly I get up and I am not surprised to see that I am not clothed. I go over to the closet and get the easiest dress to put on. Quickly I put it on and a pair of loose shoes before I go out in search of any people.

Upon passing William's room I cock my head to the side for a moment, but I don't hear anything coming from there. When I reach the bottom of the stairs I hear a low murmur of voices coming from the study. Without stopping to listen and find out who was there I open the door. William turns toward me and who is standing next to him, but the vicar. My heart sinks. I can see that I should have stayed in bed, but I am here now, so I may as well face the consequences. 

Smiling as if nothing in the world could possibly be wrong, William reaches out a hand to me. "Maranda, I was hoping that you were going to be getting up soon, love. I was just telling your uncle here that once I saw you working so hard as a scullery maid I just couldn't have it. Having promoted you to the status of fiancé I could not have you sleeping in the servants quarters any longer. I had your things moved at once, and last night we went out and celebrated our engagement by spending it with the gypsies, which is why we weren't here when he came last night." 

I can see that William wants me to go along with this, so I do. "That is right, Uncle. We would have spoken to you about it, but since you are always so busy with the vicarage and all of you parishioners we decided that we would wait until we had told Joshua first. After all, he is the one that I was trying so desperately to save from debtors prison, so we thought it was only right that he should be the first to know about us." My uncle is growing more and more upset by the minute, this is very evident by his face.

Pulling me close to his side, and letting his hand wander familiarly over my waist, William leans over and gives me a hard kiss, right on the mouth. Placing my arms around his neck, I respond to it more than I normally would have. Breaking apart, William looks down at me and in a voice only I can hear he whispers one word: Later.

My uncle finally clears his throat. "Well, if you would have given me some notice of this decision yesterday when I was here I would not have come to the conclusion that I did. When my parishioner told me that you were seen carrying my niece to a coach and putting her inside I got the wrong idea. You should definitely be married post haste so that there will be no scandal attached to either of you. In regards to Maranda's betrothal, I shall just have to see what can be done in the way of breaking it. You are a very lucky man, if I have to say so myself, Sir William. Her wedding announcement was set to take place in two weeks time, and it was going to be Robert that she would have been marrying, not a gentleman such as you. I hope that she knows how fortunate she is."

"I do, Uncle. Ever since I first came to work here, I have known that Sir William is a very unique gentleman."

With his arm still around my waist William clears his throat in embarrassment. "I will be getting in touch with you in the next few days to set up when the happy event should take place." At my uncle's look of disapproval, William continues: "I can't ask my wife-to-be to get married in these old dresses that she has. I have to allow her to get a new trousseau. That in and of itself will take some time. As I said, I will be getting in touch with you soon." With that tone of voice, my uncle really can not argue any further. Almost as if he has nothing else to do or say, he turns and walks out the door. By the way he is walking I know that he is burning with anger.

When the door slams behind him I turn into William's arms. Almost immediately he is undoing the closures on my gown. "Maranda, you don't know how much I wanted to slowly wake you up this morning with gentle kisses and tenderly make love to you. Unfortunately I had an unexpected visitor." Taking me by surprise he pushes my gown all of the way off. "Maranda, I need you. It is up to you, though, how you would like it. I could do you over the desk, or here on the floor in front of the fire. It is up to you."

I glance over at the desk, because I know that he likes it that way. "Over the desk, William. I know how you like it that way." 

William groans and grabs me to him. While he is guiding me over to the desk I can tell that there is something that he wants to say. Finally, when he has me bent over the side of the desk, he casually starts to talk. "Maranda, you know that you now have to marry me, don't you?" I turn and look up at him in shock. "I was not bluffing when I told your uncle that. I do want to marry you. I was just waiting for the right time to ask you." Casually he presses his manhood into me. "I was going to ask you last night, but that was a lot better than I could have hoped for instead." Slowly pulling out he presses back into me just as relaxed. When I don't respond to what he is saying, William pulls all the way out of me. "Stand up, Maranda, and look at me." Standing I turn to look at him. I see something different in his eyes today. Something that wasn't there yesterday. "Maranda, I am asking you, standing here naked as the day I was born, to marry me. I think I started to fall in love with you that first night when you presented me with such a spitfire of a girl that was ready to do anything to help her brother stay out of prison. I knew then that you were the right one for me, but as time went on and I have seen your unwavering loyalty to me and to Joshua, I have come to know that I want you with me at all times. I want to have you be the mother of my children. I want you to be the one that warms my bed every night and lets me have her when ever and where ever I want her. Please say that you will marry me."

I slowly, but boldly, reach down and caress his manhood. "Does this mean that there will be no public compromise?"

Grabbing me up to him roughly, he kisses me hard. "Not until you answer my question, wench." I can see a smile on his face that takes the sting out of his words.

"Then for goodness sake, yes, I will marry you. If you think that you are doing the right thing."

"I know I am, now, assume the position." I lean over the desk again and before I expect it he rams himself into me. "I am getting the best person that I could have ever dreamed of in marrying you." Slamming into me harder he continues. "If you still want the public compromising, then by all means, let us get to it." With one final thrust into me he lets out a shout and presses hard up against me. "I am not going to let anyone else have you though. They may watch, and if you will allow it, they may touch, but no one shall have you but me."

"What are you planning?" Slowly I stand back up and face him.

"We are going to go to the local pub, and you are going to be wearing only my cloak. If you would like to do it at a pub that is a little further away, that would be okay with me."

"No, the local one is fine."

"Good. Now, once we get there, you will service me right outside the carriage, and then when we get inside I will get a private room. However, I will not shut the doors, only the windows. As soon as we get inside I will take my cloak from you and make you get on your hands and knees. I will take you immediately, and then you can put on my cloak to get us some refreshment. While you are walking through the common area of the pub, you will let the cloak open and close as it will, you will not hold it closed. If anyone talks to you, you will not answer them. You will just get our refreshment and come straight back to me. Is that understood?" I nod without hesitation. "You know that Robert will more than likely be there, don't you?" Again I nod. "Is that why you are doing this?"

"Partly, yes. Partly though, is because I know that you like to make a statement, and I know that you need to make sure that everyone knows that I am yours. So, today, before my Uncle has a chance to tell anyone, make me yours in front of everyone. I know that will be the only way that you indeed know that I am yours for all times."

Helping me into his cloak he reaches out and gently runs his fingers through my long dark hair. "Maranda, how could I have known that the woman that I was searching for all my life was less than a mile away from me, growing up right under my nose. I have no idea what I would do without you." Walking with his arm around me we go out to the enclosed coach that we used last night. "You are as insatiable as I am, and I know that I could never find another that is more equal to me in every respect as you are." 

Handing me into the coach he climbs in after me. As we take off I know that this day will forever change my life, and I know that it will change for the better. William has never been anything in any way, shape, or form, abusive in the handling of my person, and I know that he never will be. However, he will, from now on, have the right to handle me all the time. From now on I know that the servants will look at me different, for now they just see me for what I am, but soon they will have to look at me as their mistress. 

Lost in my own thoughts I don't even realize that we have pulled up at the pub, until I hear William talking to me.

"Maranda, this your last chance to get out of this. As soon as we get out of this coach, you will be forever branded as the scandalous one that somehow got me to ask her to marry him. Is that what you want?"

"William, I don't want there to ever be any doubt that you are the man that I love. I will love you in front of anyone at anytime. You know that. This will be the best way for my betrothal to Robert to be concluded, for I know that he would never want a scandalous hussy like me for a wife." I am smiling as I say the last part.

Smiling his slow, sensual smile that never fails to make me squirm he corrects me. "You are no one's hussy. You are my one and only wench though. Now, enough talking. Let's get on with this."

Climbing down out of the coach, he reaches up to help me down. Gathering his cloak tightly in front of myself I slowly exit the vehicle. 

Glancing around at the other conveyances I notice that my Uncle's coach is here as well. 

When I step onto the ground William loosens my hands from the cloak, and picks me up, pressing me against the side of the coach. As he lowers his mouth to mine he whispers that yes, he sees my Uncle's coach and to not be nervous. As he kisses me I reach down and let his manhood free. Lifting me a little more he lets me down onto his fully engorged member, making me gasp for air as he drives hard up into me. I wrap my legs around his waist as he works his magic. Finally, as he presses hard into me one last time I cry out as innumerable stars burst behind my closed eyes.

When we can both stand again I swallow and glance over his shoulder. My Uncle is the first person that I see, and the rage that is in his face is incomprehensible. I lower my head and William turns around, after having straightened out his clothing. Placing an arm around my shoulder he gently guides me into the pub, right past my Uncle. Once inside, he asks where the private room is and heads over in the direction that he was pointed. I keep my eyes glued to the floor until he opens the door to the private room. 

"Maranda, look at me." Whispering he guides me inside as I look up into his eyes. "Robert is here and I must say, he looks none to pleased. I think that if you were his wife right now, he would very easily kill you. I can see why you want to get away from him. Right now you have a choice to make. Do you want to get our refreshments, or do you want me to take you? It is entirely up to you."

I swallow. Slowly I answer him and I do not know where the words come from, but they are out before I have a chance to stop them. "I will get us some refreshment, Milord." Smiling up at him I curtsy as best as I can. Turning from him, I hear him laugh out loud as I walk across to the open door. With one quick look back, I gather my courage, let the cloak fall open, and walk across to the bar that has several men sitting by it. Shaking my hair back out of my face I quickly think about the fact that it must be a mess, since I had only barely brushed it this morning. By the time I reach the waitress every man in the pub is staring at me and has quit talking, drinking or eating. 

"Milord William requires two draughts of your finest ale." My voice seems to break her out of her shock for she quickly gets the two tankards and hands them to me. Walking back, I feel every eye in the room upon me.

Stepping into the private room, and before William can say anything, I place the two tankards on the table and kneel down in front of him. I can see that his manhood is straining to get out, so I let it out. I never hear him summon for the rest of the men to come in and watch, for I am to eager to take him into my mouth and suckle upon him. Shortly he has his fingers entangled in my hair and he is holding my head still as he rams his cock into my mouth further than it has ever gone before. Looking up at him I see him questioning me with his eyes. I close my eyes in response and he interprets it correctly that I am in agreement for what he wants. Swallowing, I feel him press his manhood further down my throat than I ever knew anything could go. Before I have a chance to gag, however, he pulls out. After only doing that two more times, he pulls out of my mouth. Quickly I take off his cloak and stand up, only to bend over the table. Looking back at him I see that the room is, indeed, packed with men of all ages and class distinction. I see Robert and a shiver goes through my body because he looks like he could commit murder. I look a little further and see, to my embarrassment, Joshua is standing there. In his eyes I see a look that I never thought I would see on him: regret. Before I can say anything to him, William rams his cock into me as hard as he can. Remembering what he said about the more noise I make, the better the audience will like it, I scream in -- what everyone would assume would be -- pain. In reality it is a scream of pleasure. As he rams into me harder and harder I moan and plead with him until I finally feel him press hard into me one last time. With a shout and a scream from me we both collapse. 

Getting his clothing back in place he looks around at all of the patrons of the pub that have jammed into this little room. "Now, not all of you know me. I am William, and I have placed my mark upon this young lady. She is mine. We will be getting married in a few weeks time, and I expect you to give her the respect that is due her as my wife."

One voice in the crowd shouts out: "Wife? It looks more like she is your whore! If she was a lady before, she certainly is not one now."

Turning to face Robert, for he was the one that spoke, William pins him down with an icy stare. "Are you willing to question me? If you are, then let it be known, here and now, that I will defend Maranda against all of you. This show was put on for the benefit of all of you, and to show you that what I say goes. As I said before if anyone so much as insults this lady, you will be dealing with me." 

Turning to me he smiles and hands his cloak back. "Now, let us depart." Turning to Joshua, he motions that he should come too. "I think it is time that we let your brother in on our plans, my Dear, don't you think?" I nod. 

Getting back into the coach I have a slight moment of discomfort as I realize that everyone has followed us for one last glimpse of my naked body. Seeing this, William picks me up and cradles me against him as he climbs into the coach. "This was the only time that you will have to endure that. You were very brave, my Dear. I am very proud of you."

Turning to Joshua he speaks in a much firmer tone of voice. "You, young Sir, have a very wonderful and brave sister here, and I do not think that you realize that. The show that we just put on at the pub was so that your family did not have to come up with the money to pay for the broken betrothal. Robert was her betrothed, and I doubt that he will want her after that. You are now out of debt, and your home has been repaired. Stay or go, it makes no difference to me, but I will not have you worrying your sister any more. She will be staying with me, and we will be getting married, as I stated."

Joshua looks at us with a stunned look on his face. "Everything is paid off?"

"Your sister has paid the highest price. She has given me her love. If I ever catch you gambling again though, I will take every pound of it out of your flesh. Is that understood?" Joshua nods. "Good. Now, we will contact you as to when and where that ceremony will take place. Until then, behave yourself." Leaning forward he opens the door and I realize that we are stopped in front of my family's home. I did not recognize it because of all the repairs that had been made to it. Joshua climbs out of the coach and stands at the stairs watching as we pull away. Holding me closer, William looks down in my face. "I hope that I didn't hurt you to bad at the pub. I couldn't believe that you were hurt that bad."

Reaching up I caress his cheek. "William, that was just for the show. You didn't hurt me a bit. I was just doing what everyone expected." Chuckling, William leans down and kisses me. Getting serious again though, he looks down at me. "You know that from now on, all your family responsibilities will be with me."

Looking up at him, this fiercesome man that I love, I know that I could never or would never do anything to harm him. My forever lies in his capable hands, and they hold nothing but good for me.

The End