Chapter 9: Post-Graduate Work
Commencement traditionally serves many roles. In Elspeth's case, as in many, it marked the end of formal schooling and the beginning of working life. While Elspeth was comfortably set financially, it would not do to continuously live off of her trust fund. That said, the job search was not the first and highest priority. Other rituals must be served, not least of which were the Family gatherings.
The first and most obvious was the obligatory journey to the family pew at St. Albans. Father Jacob read Elspeth's name with all the other of the church's graduates. Afterward was a very plain reception, where Elspeth stood in line to shake hands of people she had not met since confirmation, more than a decade before.
Afterward, was a family dinner in her honor, the menu for which Elspeth had constructed. She chose fish to go with the succotash, squash casserole, and greens salad, in deference to her non-vegan siblings. Elspeth's enduring memory of the dinner was when her sister asked, "Where's the beef?" to much amusement. It was exactly the sort of comment Dr. Richards might make.
Next came a pilgrimage to see Grandmother Adele. Though not Elspeth's direct ancestor, Adele Cabot was the reigning matriarch of Beacon Hill. Her invitation to tea was tantamount to a summons. At least Elspeth had three cousins sharing the spotlight. Regardless, Grandmother managed to make her feel singularly special and uniquely unprepared. Such was the way of all visits to her home.
The final tribute, and first public one, was a reception at the Peabody House. The House, more properly called the
First Harrison Gray-Otis House, was designed by Charles Bullfinch in 1794. Long an historical landmark, the first floor was a museum and the third housed the offices of the Historical Society. As founding benefactors and continuing donors, the Rice, Peabody, and Otis families could reserve the second-floor reception rooms.
Not every year was deemed worthy of The Peabody House. Elspeth was the sole advanced degree among her close cousins, so it was an honor specific to her. As with many accolades, Elspeth could have done as well without it. Still, it was a suitable place to introduce a select portion of Boston Society to Dr. Richards. Also helpful was Dr. Richards' escort, Elspeth's distant cousin Ro Willingham. Formally Warner Richard Otis-Willingham IV, he was a double contrast to all of Elspeth other relatives, being from New York and politically conservative. Ro served as a lightning rod for many of the political sparks that might have been directed to Dr. Richards.
The event went well enough. The next couple of days involved more informal meetings, mostly over drinks or dining out. When it was over, Elspeth noticed she had moved up in the family pecking order, more so than a mere graduate degree would normally earn. Naturally, Elspeth credited Dr. Richards, with no thought for her own maturation.
Chapter 10: Employment
Several days later, Elspeth and Dr. Richards went to Concord, New Hampshire, the state capital. Dr. Richards rented a storefront, which would serve as business offices for both the consulting firm, FD Consulting, and the non-profit, Beacon Light. Initially, Beacon Light Foundation was a single desk in one corner. Though they never discussed it in words, the desk became Elspeth's personal space. Once the paperwork was filed, she was installed as an official employee of the non-profit, at minimum wage with worker's compensation coverage.
Elspeth loved the old desk. It was exactly the sort of metal desk one would expect to find at an office furniture resale store—worn, gray, and very heavy. To increase the weight, Elspeth loaded it with books. With all her strength, Elspeth could barely budge it, which was perfect. Elspeth had fantasies about being tied across the desk, legs spread, skirt up and panties down. Sometimes, the fantasies came true.
The first day, Elspeth installed rope loops on the back feet of the desk, specifically to tie her feet apart. Dr. Richards noticed and improved the loops to heavy figure-eights. If Elspeth wished, she could take off her shoes and slip her foot through the open loop. With both feet so hobbled, Elspeth could still sit in the rolling chair and just slide forward under the desk. She loved to work this way, even though more than an hour would cause her legs to go numb.
Part of the appeal, of course, was that someone might notice. At least three times the first month, Elspeth thought she saw a flicker of recognition, though no one said anything. Dr. Richards was in on things, but there was no telling what she might do. The second day, Elspeth had been sitting with her feet hobbled for about two hours. She was beginning to consider whether she should break for a bathroom run.
Dr. Richards came up behind her, lifted her from the chair and pushed her across the desk. With one hand pushing down between Elspeth's shoulder blades, Dr. Richards bared Elspeth's ass and spanked her thoroughly with a wooden ruler. Once Elspeth's ass was nicely pink, Dr. Richards sat her back in the chair, with the skirt still up and the panties still around the thighs. It was an hour before Elspeth received permission to use the restroom. Elspeth had to be very careful not to orgasm from simply wiping herself dry.
Those early days were among the most rewarding for Elspeth. Dr. Richards had few calls on her time, so they talked extensively. Indeed, Dr. Richards proved quite inventive in finding ways to tie Elspeth up, without interfering with her job. For example, Dr. Richards once tied both Elspeth's arms to a broom handle. The right arm was fully extended, but the left arm was bent back enough for Elspeth to touch her ear. She answered the phone by Bluetooth for the rest of the day.
