Chapter Seven :
A Plan is Formed While Another Comes To Fruition
John stared into his half empty pot of ale in The Coach and Horses in Soho trying to come to terms with the sudden change in his fortunes from being an experienced servant in a Lady's townhouse to his present circumstances, unemployed, sleeping on the floor of his friends accommodation and down to his last shilling. He mused about seeing if he could get work down on the docks or in the sugar factory but when he looked at his soft hands he knew no one would employ him in a labouring role.
"John Smith?".
He looked up to see an odorous fat man, with a bulbous nose lower himself onto a chair opposite. The man carried two jugs of ale and pushed one across the table,
"Who wants to know?"
"My name is Pertwee and I have been commissioned to find John Smith, formerly servant to Miss Cynthia Wilson, and offer him a position with The Lady Dowager Tremayne. I believe that to be you, lad."
John, took a gulp of his remaining ale and accepted the new jug. This was indeed a turn up for the books, a chance to re-establish himself in service, a lifeline indeed. He did not, however, wish to be seen as desperate so answered slowly:
"You have the right man, but I am considering a variety of offers at the present time. I am not sure service is for me anymore."
Pertwee let out a long, loud snort of derision.
"Ah well I assume moving down to Cornwall isn't on the agenda then, what with all these offers you are considering. Good luck young man, I'll be off then. If by any chance you change your mind meet me at platform three Paddington station 10 am tomorrow morning and I will buy you a ticket and accompany you down to the Tremayne Estate. "
With that Pertwee rose and left as quickly as he had arrived. John knew that he would be there tomorrow morning, he had no other choice really. He smiled to himself as he started on this new jug of ale, this unexpected chance to resurrect his career in service was just the stroke of luck he needed.
At the same time Mistress Cynthia was entertaining an old friend, her sixty year old solicitor Mr Forsyth, in her drawing room to afternoon tea. Tea was being served by Daisy whilst Mr Forsyth looked on admiringly at the young maid. Mistress Cynthia smiled to herself, then said:
"She is new, very pretty don't you think Andrew? She reminds me of your wife when you married her twenty odd years ago a shy, young, pretty little thing, pale skinned, rosy cheeked, very demure and submissive I recall. "
"Indeed Cynthia, I recall those days with great pleasure, but how times change, she can hardly be described in those terms these days."
"Well perhaps I could offer you the opportunity to turn the clock back to those times, Andrew. Why not enjoy those moments again. Daisy is very amenable and you have the rest of the afternoon free. I would enjoy seeing you relive those special times and my basement is well equipped with every conceivable implement you might require."
Cynthia watched Andrew's eyes roam over Daisy's young body before adding:
"I mean this is a private matter, Andrew, no one need ever know, think of it as a little recreation for an old and valued friend. Go on let yourself recreate those youthful, disciplinary games you enjoyed with your wife."
His hand twitched and Mistress Cynthia said:
"Daisy, show Mr Forsyth down to the basement and be a good girl for him. I will join you shortly."