Master William was surprised he noticed her. He typically didn't notice anyone unless they were standing before his bench pleading their case.
"Magistrate Please!" they would say. He had a tough reputation as a judge — "Tough, but fair" he always told himself. He returned home and shed the powdered wig and robe of his office. How he wished those particular traditions would go away. As he relaxed his thought's turned again to Elizabeth the woman his house manager hired to be his personal attendant. The others had been a series of anonymous, replaceable servants. He could remember any of their names. But she was different at tad older than the usual he supposed. Late 30's Irene the House Manager had told him when he asked to her raised eyebrows. She too apparently noticed his out of character interest in his new servant.
He wouldn't have guess her age. Her small frame, easy smile and bright eyes gave her the air of a younger woman. And so did her body he noticed. Full breasts and to put it frankly and ass he'd like to use for a pillow. Her full curves surrounding a tiny waist gave her an ideal silhouette. Her auburn hair was worn shorter than the style of the day but framed her face well — and those eyes. Those hazel eyes he could get lost in.
He'd been alone since his young wife died 10 years ago. They'd not been married long. She was the first beauty he loved and he'd always assumed the last. But Elizabeth made him question that.
He shook the thoughts from his mind. She was an employee of the house and not a plaything he told himself, but the stiffness in his trousers betrayed his mind.
—-
Elizabeth was glad to have found a job. She was out of money and the offers of the Madam who ran the whorehouse were getting harder to turn down. Although the thought of being at the mercy of whatever man paid the price for her gave her the feeling of a tiny electric shock of guilty excitement.
Master William was a handsome man. Not imposingly tall, but above average. But he towered over Elizabeth. He had short dark brown hair with the beginning of salt and pepper at the temples a straight strong jaw and steel blue eyes that would look deep into hers and then quickly away. She absolutely wanted him. Which was odd because she'd never really desired a man in that way before. She hadn't had the time.
Her father had left her family before she could even remember. Her older brother was a ne'er-do-well. Her mother did her best to support them with her position, but it fell to Elizabeth to make up the difference. And then perhaps maybe she'd never met a man like Master William before.
—
Elizabeth was shaken awake by Irene. "'Lizbeth!" she cried. "What're you doin' still in bed!" "You've the Master to attend too!"
Damn, she'd overslept. Elizabeth was not a morning person and she should have known that would be trouble. Master William arose early and it was her duty to dress him for his day. She quickly donned her uniform and hurried to his chamber.
She stopped short of bursting through the door, preferring to appear in control of her situation and with a business like manner opened the double door and entered as if routine.
Master William was already awake and had partially dressed himself in trousers. He was reviewing documents for the day as Elizabeth made her entrance.
—