A perfect day, just as the Almanac had predicted, warm and sunny but without the cloying humidity that so often mars July days. A fine day for a small wedding, her daughter, Siobhan, radiant and glowing, not really showing yet, obviously she had inherited some of her mother's temperament along with the red hair. Rose shivered at the thought that she would be a grandmother within the year, so much, so soon.
Rose felt vaguely out of place in her light, Mother of Bride's dress and wished for her normal attire, although the colours did set off her flaming red hair, still vibrant after all the years, thanks in no small part to her second daughter, Erin's, careful ministrations. The yard was immaculate, the decorations perfect the food and wine exquisite. When asked she would only laugh dryly and comment how she had so many good friends, who had worked like slaves for her. Out of difference to the groom's family, she stopped there, although there were some knowing smiles among her friends. Yes, all was going to work out well in the end after all; even, Moira, her third daughter, the dark one, was on best behavior.
Robert, her ex, was on best his manners too, smiling and playing Dad to the children he hadn't seen in over three years. He looked well, but had lost most of his hair. At least he hadn't insisted on giving away the bride - he'd given them all away more than ten years ago. And it was wicked but she had to smile to herself, that Bernadette had ballooned to a size sixteen. If he had consulted her in the choice of his third wife, as he had on his second (her), she would have told him that Italian women were apt to put on weight once they settled down.
Yet ten years ago she had been at her wits end. Strung out from her recent divorce, with three daughters (ages 7-13), and limited finances (certainly would help if his support payments weren't always just a few days late!), trying to get her life back together. The house was a mess and needed serious cleaning but she never had time. She was drinking coffee and idly looking through the back pages of one of those newspapers, which her daughters had started to bring home when she saw this ad.
"Respectful married male, 6'1, 190 lb., 45 seeks firm mistress for occasional menial service." Rose had thought "Hmmm I wonder if he would clean house" and on a whim responded. "I am a Mistress with flaming red hair and a temper to match, but I can use a menial to clean my house and perhaps earn my favor."
More mailings had followed, she had even gone to the library for some books but back then, there were none. In end, she had met John over coffee and set the rules, domination only, no sex,(but yes, she would break that one). He would clean her house in his costume, pay her and then leave. Surprisingly, he was as advertised; 6'1', 190 lb., obviously fit, with dark curly hair and a sandy mustache. In different circumstances she might have considered him for other matters.