When Sarah's father was at home, the atmosphere was dour and forbidding. He ruled the house with an iron hand and neither Sarah nor her mother could do anything but follow his edicts. The comparison was more invidious given the recent developments between Sarah and Amy, not to mention Mrs Steven's encouragement of their openness.
Sarah knew things were serious when he asked that both her and her to mother sit down with him because he had something important to discuss with them. Sarah went into an immediate panic, thinking he must somehow know about her and Amy, and the fact that her mother kept giving her nervous glances didn't help any.
They waited for Deacon Stevens to speak.
"As you know, Mr Fitzpatrick is a leading member of our church and a major benefactor. Indeed it was through Mr Fitzpatrick's generosity that I was able to undertake my preaching tour. His importance to my church and the town as a whole, cannot be overstated. While he has a son and heir, Simon, he is starting to feel his mortality and wishes to be sure that there will be successive generations of Fitzpatricks to carry on the family business empire."
Sarah and her mother looked at each other in confusion; what was all this leading up to?
"He'd like to see his son Simon married and having produced an heir before he dies"
"But he's not that old', blurted Sarah
Her father gave her a disapproving look. "The span of man's time on Earth is known only to God, blessed be his name. Mr Fitzpatrick only wants to be sure of an heir."
Mr Fitzpatrick has noticed you in church, Sarah, and knows you to be a healthy young woman, devout and chaste. He has asked me to consider agreeing to your marrying his son, Simon."
"WHAT!" shouted both Sarah and her mother.
"Decorum, please! There will be no raising of voices in my house!"
"There's no such thing as arranged marriages in this day and age!" opined Mrs Stevens.
"Actually, the heathen Muslims still do arrange marriages, but if indeed there is to be a marriage between our houses, it will only be if they wish it. But I have given my permission to Mr Fitzpatrick for Simon to press his suit."
Both Sarah and her mother were struck dumb. On the one hand, Sarah's heart was beating rapidly and her nipples ached and pussy tingled at the thought of being Mrs Sarah Fitzpatrick! On the other hand, she felt a bit like a commodity, to be exchanged for favours rendered. She didn't know what to think.
"To that end, we will be arranging several meetings between the two young people, but as her mother, you will act as chaperone. You will see to it that she dresses appropriately and behaves at all times, as a model of decorum."
Deacon Stevens stood and left the room and for a long time, Sarah and her mother just looked at each other saying nothing.
Eventually, Sarah told her mother how much and for how long she had idolised Simon Fitzpatrick. "But what if he doesn't love me in return? What if I don't fall in love with him? And I'm only 18, I'm little more than a schoolgirl; how will I manage being part of the Fitzpatrick family?"
"Well, I was only a few month's older that you when I married your father for one thing and this is the whole point of having several chaperoned meetings - to see if you are compatible. And your father did say that I had to ensure that you were suitably dressed. I'm sure he was thinking of your usual dowdy clothes that I sew for you, and which meet his approval. However, the clothes I might feel suitable for a young woman to attract a potential husband will be completely different. We just need to be sure he doesn't see them," she winked.
It was only a couple of days later that Mrs Stevens returned with several bolts of cloth. " I have some lovely 50's dress patterns that I can update to modern times"
Sara put on a very doubtful face
'I'm positive you'll look beautiful in them!"
The following day, Sara's mother came into her room and held up a pinned dress to her and made some final adjustments. The following day, the dress was ready, and Sarah was urged to try it on. Sarah's first meeting with Simon was that weekend.
It was a cotton sundress with a full flared skirt in 50's style but whereas during that era the dress would drop to mid calf, this only went down to mid thigh. The top of the dress was tight and the neckline very low. Wearing one of her new bras, Sarah's breasts seemed to want to burst out of the dress. I was a perfect fit, but it showed so much!
"That's a perfect fit!" crowed her mother. "Now, for a final touch, I've bought you some new shoes. They have a heel, but I didn't get them too high because you've never worn anything like that before."
Sarah put them on and wobbled over to the mirror. They made her legs look much longer, especially in the short dress. As she turned this way and that, the hem of the dress fluttered about her thighs, caressing them and bringing tingles to her pussy. Despite the shock at how much cleavage she was showing, she knew she looked good and hoped Simon would approve. She really did feel that she could compete with those college girls that he spent time with.
"Now, put those clothes away before your father sees them and we'll have everything ready for your first meeting with Simon Fitzpatrick."
On the afternoon of that day, Deacon Stevens was out visiting his flock, whether by accident or design, it wasn't clear, but it did give Sarah and her mother a clear field to get ready. Her hair was styled, and Mrs Stevens put some subtle eye makeup and some pink lipstick on her - something that she'd never worn before. She slipped into the dress and when she looked in the mirror, she hardly recognised herself - she looked like a real woman, not a schoolgirl!
"OK, let's go and meet Simon - you'll knock him dead, you're so beautiful!"
When Sarah arrived at the Fitzpatrick's mansion, Sarah was completely overawed and was struck dumb when a young maid welcomed her and led her to the drawing room. Both Sarah and her mother sat down to wait and talked about the room and furnishings in hushed tones.
Their whisperings were interrupted by the door opening and Simon made his entrance. Mrs Stevens had to admit that Simon was a handsome devil and with a fit and toned physique honed on the college tennis courts. He introduced himself first to Mrs Stevens and then to Sarah. Sarah had meant to say, "pleased to meet you" but it just came out as a squawk.
