The front door bell rang and it was the girl from the agency and the young woman destined to be the Astonbury's new housekeeper. Lord Astonbury himself opened the door and as instructed by her boss the pretty young Agency girl kissed him chastely on the cheek, before introducing Allison. Lord Astonbury invited them in and followed them into the reception lounge. He smiled as he carefully and slowly eyed Allison up and down, he had to admit it, this time the Agency seemed to have got it right and liked what he saw.
Allison was not quite five feet tall her hair long dark and tucked into a French pleat. The skirt and jacket were well cut, the skirt ending just above the knees, revealing a well shaped calf and ankle. He guessed she was about 120 pounds and her breasts were well concealed by the cut of the jacket, but as she had passed in front of him he had glanced down; the silky blouse had revealed her cleavage and the swell of her milk white breast had made him take a deep breath. She had a slim waist and walked in a confident and assured manner. Lord Astonbury decided that she was certainly worth interviewing and she would make a worthy bed companion. He quickly snapped out of the lustful thoughts as he followed them into the drawing room; then ringing the bell for Bridget, he asked what they wanted to drink. Bridget brought tea and when the pleasantries had been exchanged and Lord Astonbury had studied the letter Allison had brought from Lady Cooperstone, he excused himself from the Agency representative and invited Allison to accompany him to his office.
Allison followed his Lordship through the kitchen down the stone steps and along the corridor leading to his office and the interview began. Allison answered Lord Astonbury's questions satisfactorily and explained he current circumstances.
"My parents had been in business and when I married, my husband joined the family firm. The market they were in suddenly took a down turn, catching them with high stock and heavy borrowings. They had been returning from Europe where they had hoped to find a new outlet, when for some reason still unexplained, their aircraft had crashed and the bank foreclosed, leaving me penniless;"
Lady Cooperstone had taken her in and trained her with the intention of her becoming the housekeeper for Count Mario and his wife in the Irish country house they had considered buying. The Count had died leaving Allison at a loose end once more.
"The offer of this job with you and your family, your Lordship seemed like a gift from heaven. Allison added, "If I'm successful in being offered the position, I would," she said with a look of concern, do all I can Sir to serve you well; I understand Lady Astonbury may well be sick for some time."
As she completed her short explanation she was aware her skirt had ridden up and she crossed her legs chastely and smoothed down her skirt. No flash of underwear there, Lord Astonbury thought to himself, I must be slipping..
"If I may be so bold Sir," Allison said softly, "it would appear that Lady Astonbury has been away for some time, it would appear to me that the staff have grown slack and a firm hand would certainly not go amiss. I would love to get down to basics and see this place as it should be, before her Ladyship returns."
Allison had been watching Lord Astonbury's eyes follow her every move; Lady Blanchester had hinted that his lordship was fond of the ladies and it had been at that moment that she had decided to take a chance, she would blow her chances completely or land the job. Allison had no intention of becoming another of his so called conquests. She was nervous and needed the job badly, but she told herself not that badly.
"I understand that the position is 'live-in' and I would like to see my room, if that's convenient Sir?"
"I can let you see the staff wing, but the quarters for the housekeeper are not ready yet, this is as you are aware is a new position. I had intended that the successful candidate would sleep in the main house until the new rooms are ready." came the reply.
Lord Astonbury eyed Allison up and thinking to himself that it would give him the opportunity to seduce her. Allison saw his gaze and she felt as though he were undressing her with his eyes and to her, it was not a comfortable or a pleasant feeling. This man? No! She decided, he was more like a Don Juan of old, a man used to getting his own way. She knew she had to put him in his place, but now was not the right time she did not want to upset her new boss not at the expense of her job prospects and asked politely.
"Is there anything else you need to know Sir? and if I am to get the appointment I have to ring Lady Cooperstone to let her know."
Lord Astonbury made up his mind, this woman would do, he knew sooner or later, one way or anther, he would find his way into her panties. He simply said,
"In that case I think you should make the call, the details of salary and terms and conditions have been given to you by the Agency and I presume you find them to be satisfactory."
Allison nodded and she reached across the desk and picked up the telephone to make the call to her proposer, Lady Cooperstone.