CHAPTER 3: THE PASSIVE MUMMY
Introduction: The chapters of Hotbeds are supposedly written by an elderly man recalling his sexual adventures as a prep school teacher in the 1950s and 1960.
*****
I settled into the new place and enjoyed it, because it was a country mansion in extensive grounds, and the staff accommodation was good. There was even central heating in our rooms. The drawback was that the female staff, though friendly and co-operative, was not sexually available. The school secretary was initially approachable and a good deal of foreplay went on, but there were strict limits.
The bra could come off, but the knickers stayed on, even though rummaging around in them was encouraged. I was reminded of Madam, in that orgasms were expected. Masturbation was offered, but it was mechanically performed and joyless. After some weeks it also became clear that sex was a preliminary to marriage, and no intercourse would be possible until an engagement ring was in place.
There was, however, one sexual partner, available at half-terms, when parents collected their boys for a long weekend. For one boy's mother came alone, and from a distance which required her to arrive the day before and stay over in the local hotel.
Or was there an ulterior motive to the stop-over? Because she (I'll call her Irene) arrived at the school the day before the first half-term, asked for me at the office and was directed to the staff room, where I was drinking tea with two colleagues after afternoon school. I didn't know the lady, but I asked her in. My colleagues, divining that she wanted a consultation about her son, politely left us alone together.
She was in every respect 'a lady.' Even I could tell that her perfectly fitting tweed skirt and toning jumper, probably cashmere, were of the highest quality. She was exquisitely made up, and her poise and movement were elegant. Her appearance suggested that she took good care of herself, with the aid of massage, exercise and diet.
Our strong tea in old earthenware mugs was clearly not to her taste, but, after declining the worn armchairs, and quickly checking the seat, she sat down in one of the kitchen chairs in which we sat at the table. I sat opposite, and she told me she was concerned about her son's progress, but his brief letters home were full of my praises, so perhaps I would could help him?
The boy was actually getting on well, and not exhibiting any anxiety. His mother was, however, gazing into my eyes with a slight smile on her perfectly lipsticked mouth. She told me that her son had indicated that I was a young master, so perhaps I was more sympathetic than older staff who were set in their ways and further from the youth of their pupils.
The intensity of her gaze was slightly disconcerting, but exciting, as there was obviously more to the conversation than her lad's welfare.
And we reached the point when she said in what I recognised as a prepared speech, 'Perhaps we could discuss this less formally away from the school. I'm staying at the - Arms and I'd be glad if you could dine with me tonight. If you're free, of course.'
Naturally, I was free, and would have released myself from anything to be so. Because this was an attractive brunette, with a shapely bosom, fine dark eyes and an inviting mouth. And, better still, when I showed her to her car in the driveway, walking behind her, I noted that she had a disproportionately large bottom, which appeared to be constrained by some foundation garment, as such were then called. Further, when I opened the car door and she got in she allowed, or contrived that, the skirt rode up her stockinged thighs to suspender-belt level and even permitted a peep of silk knicker.
Once inside she wound down the window, looked up at me, smiling knowingly, and said, 'Probably better not to tell anyone about this evening. We don't want people to get a wrong idea. I look forward to seeing you. Good-bye for now.' She put her hand out and shook mine with a quick, emphatic grip and release.
I did not have to answer any questions about this meeting, because my colleagues had departed for the break, and no-one was surprised when I excused myself from the supper. I made use of the hot water for a thorough cleansing, and then dressed in my only suit.
Irene was waiting for me in the hotel foyer, almost hidden in the depths of a huge leather armchair. Without getting up she offered me a hand and wanted me to pull her to her feet, holding onto my hand for a minute. She was dressed now in a beautiful ivory-coloured dress with a neckline which allowed an inch little cleavage. Her dark hair was gathered into an elaborate coronet on her head. As she led towards the dining-room I noted there was something different about her rear view. She had released her bottom from restraint and it moved freely under the shiny, silky gown.
It was a leisurely meal. We both knew what was to follow and were not in a hurry. The talk was of books, films and other leisure activities. She was a keen horse-rider and asked if I rode. Her son was not mentioned. Then, over the coffee, she told me her room number, and, soon after, got up and left.
The waitress had gone to serve in the bar and there was no-one at reception, so I could ascend the stairs without being seen. I knocked gently on her door. There was no response, so I assumed she was already in bed and reluctant to call out. I opened the door, and found her standing just inside, motionless, fully dressed, eyes closed.
Tentatively I took her hand. It lay inert in mine. I drew her close and began to kiss those carefully painted lips. Her mouth opened when I thrust in my tongue, but her tongue didn't move. She did begin to breathe a little faster, but I realised that I was to make all the running. She would be merely acquiescent, preserving the illusion she was not really involved.