Larcombe House is a stately Colonial remnant, dripping with the exclamations of a rich and exotic history, etched openly in the Italian terrazzo and burgundy mahogany. Its climax is a massive chandelier ballroom, a myriad nooks and crannies shrouded in chiffon lead onto a maze of miniature conifers, just tall enough to conceal, but not too lofty to disguise the presence of an ever-watching audience.
Julieanna's invitation had been blunt, as were all of the instructions she felt duty bound to obey when they arrived bearing the elaborately waxed seal of the Sirocco Society, a group anchoring its philosophy in the murky depths of sexual experimentation and freedom as a means to achieving life's greatest experience.
Society members adhered to a doctrine of submissiveness to not just their partners, for they were free to have them, but ultimately to their fellow society cadre.
When Julieanna received the gilt-edged scroll bearing the distinctive seal of Sirocco, an involuntary pulsation throbbed within her; such missives invariably meant a new and exciting experience, with a touch of fear of the unknown.
"Your services are required! Masquerade ball – dress code, sensual elegance."
Julieanna chose a midnight blue diamante gown in soft silk, which swathed her body in the glow that only fine fabric can evoke from human flesh. Her partner was dressed like every other man at the ball – black suit and bow ties.
They danced, she behind her golden mask, offset by peacock feathers. The masks offered everyone that touch of anonymity that added excitement craves.
Her sensual movement attracted the attention of plenty. But one in particular, his French accent unmistakable, joined the two of them on the dance floor.
Together the three of them moved to the rhythms of the music, eventually edging their way to one of the secluded alcoves off the main ballroom.
She embraced both of them and thanked them for dancing with her.
They stepped into the garden and wandered along a winding path to a small pond and bench seat, completely hidden from the hundred or so people on the other side of the wall, yet close enough to hear the hum of the ballroom.
The two men stood either side of her, enjoying the peace, when she leaned back into them. Her partner tilted her head, careful to leave her mask in place, and gently kissed her on the lips, as if to give his blessing to what was to follow.
She found the hand of their newfound friend and felt her partner's practiced fingers on her waist.
The two caressed her as she stood. Their movements, the path their hands took, were suddenly unconstrained. As she turned to kiss their new friend, her partner cupped her breast, sliding his hand beneath her gown, and watching as a second set of male hands edged down to her waist, towards a slit in the side of the garment which offered a glimpse of her suntanned thighs.
Julieanna's partner set the next scenario into motion, lifting the silk layers to reveal stockinged legs. The excitement the two men felt at caressing her body increased tenfold as she brushed her finger-tips along the buttons of each of their shirts and motioned them to sit on a garden bench.