Chapter Four : The Day after Daisy Fell in Love
Over a delicious breakfast the following morning including kedgeree and roasted coffee, which had been laid out by Daisy, Mistress Cynthia and The Dowager discussed their plans for the day. The Dowager had previously written to Shawcross and Johnson arranging a private visit to their specialist clothing and accessories shop situated in a small alley, just behind Bond Street and would be buying items for both herself and Crystal who would of course accompany her. It occurred to Mistress Cynthia that it might be a good idea for Daisy to go too if the Dowager didn't mind and perhaps put an item or two on Cynthia's account if anything piqued her interest.
"What an excellent idea, Cynthia. It will be company for Crystal and a chance to see if there is anything I think Daisy might need."
The two of them laughed at the Dowager's rather cryptic remark.
"Well that's settled then, Grace. When you get back we can have a late lunch and then maybe a fashion show.......something to look forward to I think."
"Definitely, Cynthia......nothing like a fashion show to provide a little entertainment."
An hour later the Dowager rode in the first of two handsome cabs while Crystal and Daisy followed in a second. Crystal, asked how Daisy had come to be employed and then made a point of saying she could tell how John had a real soft spot for Daisy and that maybe something might develop. Daisy blushed and then told Crystal they were in love and she had been with him for the first time yesterday. Crystal managed to suppress a smirk and express surprise and delight that Daisy had found such a handsome lover and asked what Mistress would make of it if she found out. Daisy replied that John had told her they must keep it a secret or Mistress would likely as not have them both replaced. Crystal smiled sweetly and told Daisy that her secret was safe with her, that Daisy was now her friend and that her lips were sealed and kissed her on the cheek. Smiling sweetly and talking in hushed conspiratorial tones Crystal whispered:
"Of course Daisy, he must love you very much. You both must make sure that whatever happens you pretend that the two of you don't have these feelings for each other, so you can stay together."
At the exact same time that Crystal was pretending to be Daisy's confidante and friend, John was standing in front of Mistress Cynthia in her sitting room having been summoned to appear before his Mistress and was recounting every detail of his liaison with Daisy the previous afternoon.
"I think the initiative you took was exactly the right thing John, giving the little tart a good, hard fucking.....getting the silly young thing to think she is in love with you and you with her. That will help us in encouraging her to take part in more, how shall I put it, 'advanced activities', thinking she is ensuring the two of you can remain secret lovers while we humiliate and abuse her for our pleasure and amusement. Well done, John. You have pleased your Mistress!"
Mistress Cynthia extended her hand and John went down on one knee and kissed the back of it, saying:
"I live to serve you, Mistress."
"I know you do John, and while you continue to do so I will keep you as mine."
The two handsome cabs drew to a halt outside a rather nondescript shop frontage with the sign 'By Appointment Only' in the window and the drivers helped the Dowager and Crystal and Daisy down from their cabs. Standing at the door to the shop was an elderly man, grey hair, bespectacled with a slight stoop.
"Welcome Dowager to our humble establishment we are so pleased to have you visit us again, please.... this way M'lady"
The Dowager followed by Crystal and Daisy entered the rather dimly lit premises.
"Thank you Mr Shawcross, and who is this young gentleman standing by the counter?"
"This is Bertram, M'lady, a nephew of the late Mr Johnson and whom I have employed as my assistant. I find he can be quite useful in demonstrating some of our wares."
Bertram bowed his head as all three women glanced over in his direction, each one admiring his tall, straight, handsome features.
"Please M'lady take a seat. What would M'lady like to view first?"
"Corsets first, Mr Shawcross, your very latest and best."
Mr Shawcross snapped his fingers and Bertrand went into the back room and returned moments later with several corsets, each one with bone stays but in a variety of colours and fabrics.
"These are our latest additions M'lady, straight from some of the finest fashion houses in Paris and exclusive to our customers."