Introduction.
Here we are. You and I. Together in this special place out of the rain.
The dusty air is thick with the aroma of storytelling as we make our way between row upon row of well-thumbed books that pack each straining shelf to the heavens.
Book upon book stuffed with tales both fact and fiction. At the end of each row is a sign revealing the nature of these tales for the inquisitive to peruse. The theme for this particular row says "Victoriana - Fiction from a golden age."
Wandering between the walls of each literary cavern, a singular title catches the eye and you stop and remove the leather-bound book from amongst its companions. You show me the title and I smile.
Retiring to the reading room, we sit in a quiet corner and you open the book at the first page as we begin to discover those bawdy tales from Old London Town...
***
Foreword:
Down a sun-kissed valley and up over a green hill did one come upon the splendid sight of Old London Town. A landscape of steeples, spires, and belching chimney pots stretching to the far horizon as the populace go about their daily business.
Each living their own stories that would be told over and over as the years and generations pass. But some of those tales can only be spoken about in dark shadows with a nudge and a wink. Bawdy stories. Ribald stories. Lusty stories that quicken the heart, catch the breath and fire the blood. Stories that aren't told in polite company.
Tales that can only be shared in places such as this.
The Author.
Holywell Street.
London.
November 1899.
Privately Printed.
For Mature Readers.
***
1: Bigus Dickus.
"Good God almighty," the woman exclaimed as she stood there in the doorway holding a pile of freshly ironed laundry for her new lodger. Remembering her station, she put a hand to her mouth in embarrassment. "Forgive my intrusion, Sir."
Mrs. Hoopenlicker was not one to stand on ceremony and always spoke her mind. Twice widowed and once forsaken, the woman had the benefit of wit, wisdom, and life experience. Or so she thought as she stared unabashedly at the dangling member belonging to the young man standing naked in front of her.
Gathering her wits, she knocked on the door she had already innocently opened. "There I go again," she tutted as she stepped into the spare bedroom. "My most sincere apologies for barging in on you, Mr. Johnson. I thought, perhaps, you had gone out for a short walk to familiarize yourself with your new situation and surroundings. The old lady can be quite the eye-opener for those who have not experienced life in the big city."
Albert Johnson finally found his voice as he stood there still dripping water onto the polished wooden floor. "Uh, I, well," he coughed and stammered as he tried to cover his modesty with his hands. A futile gesture for he was well aware that, endowed as he was, a fair portion of his member was still showing. "That is quite alright, Mrs. Hoopenlicker. No harm done. I was merely availing myself of the clean pitcher of water and bowl to clean up. I shall be more astute with the lock next time."
He watched as his landlady went over to the dresser and placed the laundry on top. "Thank you kindly," he replied as he quickly grabbed a clean towel with one hand whilst still trying to hide his largesse with the other. "Your attention to my well being is much appreciated."
Flushed, she glanced at him as he wrapped the towel around his waist. "Supper is at eight," she informed him as she walked to the door. "I usually cook some oats and milk with a touch of honey. They say it is most agreeable for the stomach and aids restful sleep. Now, I shall take my leave so you can unpack your baggage and settle in." With that, she closed the door and went on her way with more than just the daily chores on her mind.
***
It was three days hence and the fading light shone through the lattice window as the landlady and her lodger sat enjoying their late supper together before a simmering log fire. In those three days, they had spent the time getting to know each other. They talked about his family back home in the shires. His new situation as an apprentice teller in the financial heart of the city. His pursuits and Interests as well as life in general and how much he was looking forward to living in the grand old lady.
Albert Johnson was nineteen years. He was tall. Countryside lean. Sporting a thick shaggy brown mop of hair with matching brown eyes and an attentive sensible nature. Through connections, he had managed to arrange suitable lodgings near to his place of employment and an initial payment for his monthly rent had been agreed with the lady of the house, Mrs. Hoopenlicker. All in all, things had turned out most fortunate as he sat there enjoying his late supper listening to his landlady chatting happily away about all things under the sun.
To his surprise, he found Mrs. Hoopenlicker a most entertaining companion. She was charming, bright, and witty with an easy-going manner that put him instantly at ease. Their little adventure on his first day had, apparently, faded into nothing more than an unfortunate memory and had never been mentioned again.
Or so he thought.
The sound of her voice and warmth of his supper helped the trials of the day float gently away as he sat on the couch enjoying her company. He rested his bowl on his lap and slowly closed his eyes feeling much contented as he listened.
Such was his sleepy repose, he didn't notice his landlady get out of her fireside chair and ease down beside him and put a hand on his right knee.
"By chance in Summertime, Mr. Johnson," said the older woman as she glanced up at her lodger who was now very much awake and staring wide-eyed at her. "The idyllic dreams of an unattached lady such as myself are sometimes disturbed in a way that does peculiar things to her sensibilities and there is not a jot she can do about it no matter how hard she tries."
The young man was about to say something but she put a finger to his lips. "That first morning those idyllic dreams were very much disturbed by what this lady witnessed and is now the only thing she can think about," She paused for she understood full well that the next step was the greatest step of all. "If you'd be willing, Mr. Johnson, I should very much like to share this dream with you." To emphasis the point, she slowly drew her finger down the front of his stays.
To young Albert Johnson, it sounded as if his heart was in his skull with his mind all at sea. Rational thought had taken flight and even if he could think straight he doubted he would be able to give voice to it. "Ah, uh, well," he managed as he stared at his landlady as she cuddled closer to him.
All things being equal, Mrs. Hoopenlicker was a fine looking woman. Late forties, he imagined. She was of medium height. Maturely curvaceous. Immaculately presented with long blonde hair that was tied in a fashion down her back. She was wearing a starched white blouse that was buttoned to the neck and tied at the wrists as well as a sensible yellow ankle-length skirt overlaid with flower stitching here and there. A pair of laced leather black boots completed the picture.
"Fret not about my presumptions, Mr. Johnson," she confessed. "But I must speak of the things that are to the forefront of my mind. I ask only that you consider my request in the spirit it is meant," Mrs. Hoopenlicker saw the first flush of desire flicker in his eyes. "And if I may be so bold, perhaps a little persuasion may assist in your decision." she offered as she got to her feet and pulled out a wooden stool from under the table.
Facing away from him, she placed it in front of the fire as she leaned forward thus presenting her lodger with a perfect view of her shapely backside. She paused for a moment before she turned and put her right foot on the stool. Then, as he sat there watching her little erotic dance, she slowly began to draw up her skirt and petticoats to reveal more of her black stockings to his rapt attention. She stopped at the first sign of her garter and bare thigh. "There now, Mr. Johnson. Do you like what you see?" she teased.
"But I hardly know you, Mrs. Hoopenlicker," gasped Albert. "Though I am much flattered by your attention, I think it only right to point out that we have only just met."