Margaret Frayne had walked from the train station since she could not stretch for the cost of a seat in a carriage. The wife of her previous employer had given her a few extra coins in her final pay, which Margaret suspected was the financial equivalent of her pity. Margaret had been deemed "unsuitable" for the position, the reason of which was left unstated, although both were aware that this was due to her ladyship's husband continually attempting to molest Margaret whilst she was at her duties. Margaret gave thanks that her ladyship chanced by the front parlour when she did, thus saving her virtue, although she did regret the loss of her position as a result. Lady Swansea had explained that this was "the best solution for all", and gave her a positive reference, but Margaret knew that a positive reference for a domestic helper that was relieved of her duties after only three months did not carry much authority.
Now she was on her own. She no longer had the means of the orphanage to secure her another position. She must fend for herself. It was great luck that she had found the advertisement in the newspaper for a lady's maid with "no experience or references required". She had written immediately applying for the position, advising of her limited experience and her one reference. The following day a letter was delivered to the rooming house where Margaret was staying. A Mrs Millar wrote by return, enquiring of her background. Margaret's heart sank. Being illegitimate would always be a barrier to acceptance in good households. She advised this Mrs Millar that she was an orphaned girl with meagre experience, one reference and seeking a position wherein she could demonstrate her dedication to hard work and pleasing her employer. What a surprise that Mrs Millar responded with an invitation to attend an interview with her the next afternoon.
So it was that Margaret stood at the doors to an impressive stone house, with large bay windows on each side of the ground floor, an ornate turret and the overwhelming smell of new money. Upon her knock, the door was opened by a middle-aged man whose formal posture was at odds with the informal nature of his gaze upon her.
Margaret wondered if her illegitimacy was showing like a fallen petticoat hem. "I am Margaret Frayne. Mrs Millar is expecting me."
"Come in, Miss Frayne. You are indeed expected." He stood by, allowing her into the formal entryway. "Let me take your coat. My name is Franklin and I am the Head Steward." Margaret shrugged out of her coat and glanced around nervously. "Please, follow me. I have been instructed to give you a tour of the house before taking you to the Mistress."
Compared to the Swansea's residence, the Millar's house was nothing to boast about. It was not so grand nor so ornate as her previous employers' home, yet this house was very tastefully appointed and featured furnishings in the latest silks and damasks. In fact, the contents of each parlour and the dining room itself were evidence that the house was designed to showcase the wealth of its owners in as tasteful a manner as possible. There was a basement, a ground floor featuring a front parlour, a dining room, a library (closed as the Master was at work) and, at the back, a ladies' morning room. An external wing at the rear of the house was where the buttery and the kitchen were located. On the first floor, explained Franklin, leading the way, was where the family's bedrooms were located, one for Master, one for the Mistress and of course the nursery. Off the nursery was the Nurse's room. The second floor was where her room would be located, he continued, surprising Margaret with the implied assumption of her employment. He led her into a room that was well lit by a large sash window and featuring an astonishingly fine four-poster bed. Margaret quickly noted the generosity of the room's furniture; a large vanity table, a wardrobe, a small writing desk and a low shelf. Compared to standard accommodations for domestic help this was almost opulent. How fortunate would she be to live like this! A four-poster bed no less and a gilded mirror!
"You like the room then?" Franklin enquired, watching her contain her reaction.
"Oh yes," Margaret breathed. "It is very, very nice."
Franklin smiled at her. "You are joined on this floor by myself, across the way, and in the room down the end of the corridor on the left is the housekeeper and cook, Mrs Latimer. Cedric, the groom, is located in his own quarters next to the stable." Franklin gestured once more to the stairs. "It is now time you met the Mistress."
Curiously, however, Franklin did not announce her to the Mistress as she had been expecting, but rather gestured to the door of the Mistress's room and told her to enter when she was ready. Then he nodded at her and left her standing in the hallway listening to his departure down the stairs. Margaret rapped lightly on the door and waited. She heard "enter" and did so to find herself in the Mistress's sitting room and before her on the sofa was the most astonishing sight.
"I am sorry! So sorry. I had thought I heard enter!" Margret rushed back to the door to exit again, blinking away the sight of the lady's plump breast in the mouth of the young man on the couch next to her.
"Margaret! Margaret, isn't it? I did say enter. Please, sit." Margaret turned around to find the lady of the house smiling and gesturing to an upright chair opposite the chaise upon which she was lounging with the young man. The young man did not stop his suckling on the lady's breast whilst Margaret entered again and took the proffered chair. Uncertainly, she kept her eyes cast down to her lap.
"Do not be uncomfortable, Margaret. If you are to be my maid, then you will need to get used to seeing me in various stages of dress, and used to seeing Cedric here relieve me of some of the milk from my breasts. I have employed a nurse now to take over the feedings, but I find that measures must be taken to relieve the pressure on my breasts." Margaret raised her eyes to find Vivian Millar smiling at her. "You have no need to cast your eyes away, dear. Cedric does not mind. In fact, it would appear that he is enjoying it." Vivian nodded to the crotch of the young man attached to her breast and winked at Margaret. Indeed, Cedric's pole was erect and clearly straining against the fabric of his trousers.
"Cedric, thank you. I need to speak to Ms Frayne now, why don't you go and seek some relief from your discomfort. I will call you later if required."
Cedric removed his mouth from her breast and licked the large brown nipple of the remnants of milk. "Yes, Mistress. Thank you." He stood up, nodded to Margaret and removed himself from the room.
