The uniformed guard gave a wave through the iron gate, the limousine slowly weaved its way up the clean cobblestone road, cutting through the thick well manicured greenery and trees. Enjoying the ride, Kimberly peered through the tinted window thinking how she loved this place. She never got over the Manor, recalling the last time she was here, she loved it and never forgot. Looking at the beautiful scenery her mind drifted to what led to this point.
*****
The two women sat at a table near the window of the trendy restaurant, one blond the other a brunette. Both in their late thirties, wives and mothers. Neither liked entering middle age, they fought it by staying reasonably fit and stylishly dressed. Once professional women with fulfilling careers before their reproduction instincts took over and put having children first in their lives, forsaking the corporate world to their husbands. Being old friends going back to high school, they occasionally got together for an afternoon drink, whenever their schedules allowed.
"Lisa, is it wrong to like the kids to go back to school?"
The brunette said as they both laughed.
"It has been a long summer hasn't it, Kim?"
The waiter took their afternoon margarita orders. They laughed and giggled about stories of domestic lives, children, substandard school teachers, and their latest finds on shopping excursions.
"What's that on your arm, Lis?"
Kimberly asked inquisitively.
Lisa automatically quickly pulled the cuff of the sleeve over her wrist, covering the line of circle marks.
"Oh that, Daniel playing with his dart gun, likes to leave little suction cup marks all over the house, including me."
She pulled her sleeve up to reveal a row of perfect little round circles that disappeared under the sleeve of the blouse.
"Oh, I know what you mean, kids will be kids."
Lisa laughed lightly, then pulled the cuff down to cover the marks. The two women talked and drank for a while more then the conversation turned to the Manor.
"I attended charity event at the Manor, that house is gorgeous, I love it!" Kimberly exclaimed.
"Yes, it's nice." Lisa replied, looking down into her drink.
"How did you ever get into that crowd, I hear its very exclusive."
"You have to be recommended by a member, then chosen."
"Are you a member?"
"Yes."
They sat in a sudden silence. Kimberly was obviously waiting for her friend to continue the conversation that would lead to a recommendation. Finally Lisa looked up from the drink.
"Look Kim, its not what you think. Its more than hosting fund raisers for rich people, The Manor Lord is very demanding."
"Manor Lord?" A puzzled look came across Kimberly's face.
"Whats his real name?"
"I don't know, everyone calls him Sir, Lord, or Manor Lord. I don't know his real name. Manor Lord just seems natural to his..." Lisa stopped in mid sentence seemingly not sure what to say.
Kimberly broke the awkward silence. "I need something to do while the kids are in school."
"Its not a part time job or a hobby, its a real commitment and things can get a little, how do I say it?" Lisa furrowed her eye brows, searching for the right words, obviously not comfortable with the subject. "Weird." Was all she could say.
"Weird, how?" Kim replied with curiosity.
"Kim, are things good with Brad?"
Kim looked away for a time, then back to her friend.
"If its not work, golf, or the sports channel on television, he's not interested."
The two women sat in silence looking into their drinks. Finally Kimberly broke the silence.
"Please, I need something to keep me from going insane from this rut." Almost whispering.
"Well..." Lisa looked at Kimberly,
"You know what they say, a rut is nothing more than a coffin with the top and bottom kicked out. I'll see what I can do, but its not up to me, no guarantee."
Lisa sipped the drink once more, seemingly savoring it as she looked into her friends sparkling deep brown eyes. speaking slowly with a serious tone,
"Kim you need to be sure, once your in, there is no turning back."
*****
The car rolled around the last bend, out of the foliage to the clearing. The driver knew what he was doing for he slowed the car as the Manor came into view across the deep green lawn. Kimberly's mind reeled as she gazed at the magnificent house, she felt her stomach turn and savored the feeling. She knew being invited this time would be different, this time it wasn't a charity event.
"Once your in, there is no turning back."
The words bit her as the car stopped below the grand entrance the mansion. Kimberly looked at the house with wide eyes as she waited for the driver to open the door. He helped her from the car, his smile warm as his eyes looked her over discreetly. He motioned for her to go up the steps. Kimberly stood for a moment gripping the little purse with both hands as she looked up at the multistory house, the stairs, and the massive double doors. Taking a deep breath she took the first step.
*****
Heels clicked on the marbled surface as she was led to the library off the grand entrance by the butler. The butler was a a little strange to Kimberly, he was almost an exact replica of the limo driver. Shaved head, over six foot, and seemingly fit. He actually looked quite stunning in the suit, just as the driver had. Kimberly thought it a coincidence slipping the thought to the back of her mind.
She waited behind the closed doors alone looking at all the books, the silence here was restrictive, an ominous feeling. Kimberly strolled around the room looking at the hundreds books lining the high shelving. Between each bookshelf were paintings of sea ships.
"This Manor Lord must be a sea captain or a shipping tycoon," mumbling to herself.
One painting caught her eye, it was of an old sailing ship being attacked by a giant octopus, the sea torn ship was entwined in and around by the creatures arms, obviously trying to pull it down into the wind driven stormy sea. Stepping closer she examined the painting, noticing the creatures black eyes of intent, and the grand sailing ship coming to an end.
Mesmerized by the scene, Kimberly saw a woman at the front of the ship. She leaned forward, inches from the canvas. The figure head was the torso of a naked female clear and detailed. Her head thrust forward exposing the neck that had some sort of band on it, her bare breasts exposed. Kimberly stepped closer, studying the paintings imagery. The face of the figure was not of fierce determination, sorry, or even anger. She looked to be in the throes of passion. Kimberly felt a little twinge of embarrassment looking at this portion of the horrific scene. Her gaze slowly lowered to a gold plate below the painting with the words;
"The Kings Slave-1856" stamped on it.
"Miss, the Master has been detained."
She jumped at the Butlers words after being transfixed by the painted scene. How long had he been standing there? Her heart began to race.
"Oh?...hmm" She felt embarrassed, as if caught doing something she shouldn't be doing.
"You may return if summoned in the future or..." He paused momentarily glancing to the painting. "You may wait for an unspecified time in specified circumstances, in another room Miss."
"What circumstances?" She asked, biting her lower lip appearing a bit confused.