[Readers will benefit from reading earlier chapters as it now takes too long to summarize all of the developments that will play a part in this episode. Since the story does involve mild depiction of bodily functions, those who find that distasteful in any way should read no further. All characters are 18 or over.]
Eleanor's happiness at the impending success of her latest creative idea for Goose Cookers was building to a crescendo. She worked closely with the technical staff and found she enjoyed seeing her thoughts translated into an actual product. Then she also sat down with the women from the in-house ad agency to work up the campaign.
This was all about her concept of building on the "What's Good for the Goose..." proverb to introduce a line of Silly Goose underwear for the men in the lives of Goose Cooker customers. Silly Goose had prospered because it encouraged women not to take themselves too seriously, which was quite a step in the Women's Republic.
Now it was necessary to leave the implications vague so that the underwear could be understood as a fun product for a woman to give to the man in her life or a disciplinary item that would be worn for punishment. So when designed, the panties avoided excessively feminine colors because it was quite enough that they looked likeβpanties, the kind of stylish femmy panties that both women and men would like.
When she returned to her pleasant living quarters that evening, Eleanor was surprised to find that Jackson had returned from the Men's Camp to which she had sent him for re-education a few weeks ago. He apparently was anxious not to be seen by her as holding a grudge, although he was indeed still sore at how draconian Eleanor's reaction and punishment were for his uncaring remarks.
So he had prepared a dinner for the two of them, with some nicely-cooked blanquette de veau with mushrooms and noodles and asparagus. Lastly, there was an apricot pie with some vanilla ice cream. Eleanor was amazed. She had not expected him today and still less had she anticipated that he would show her this kind of loving treatment.
She took him in her arms and hugged and kissed him. She was anxious not to seem too regretful over what she had done but she did want to make him feel wanted.
"I can't go on without saying something," she said simply. "I'm really sorry that I put you through what I did. When I think of it, I almost get sick, darling. I just hope that sometime you will find it in yourself to forgive me."
Jackson was really amazed that his wife had apologized so soon. He hoped all along that she would miss him, since he knew she did like male company. After all, he recalled (definitely to himself alone, this was not something for him to mention to Eleanor) that her dalliance with Graham had brought on the awful punishment she had suffered at the hands of the Women's Republic legal system.
"It was not fun, sweetie," he said with a slight smile. "In fact, it sucked. But I do understand that you remain a bit sensitive and I will remember to be aware of that in our future."
"Jackson," Eleanor replied, "I don't want you to have to feel careful around me. I want you to take me in your arms and make love to me and sweep me off my feet. Let's say we are starting anew and I pledge not ever to behave like I did when I lost my temper and had you punished the way I did. By the way, tell me about it."
Jackson again kissed her deeply and sat down at the table as they began to enjoy the dinner he had prepared with such care.
"It is a deeply demeaning experience," he began, telling her about the female noncoms and the panties that the men were forced to wear. He thought it better not to mention the gorgeous Sgt. Denise, whom he would give quite a bit to encounter sometime in some other context than the Men's Camp.
Then he added, "You might have been as surprised as I was to find that none other than Graham turned up at the camp."
Eleanor's brow rose and her face grew stormy.
"Don't get upset," Jackson immediately said, "he had been sent there clearly for having offended some woman. And the camp commandant and the other officers heard about what he had done and apparently treated him quite harshly. Don't worry, I wasn't a part of it except that they knew to whom I was married."
"I really don't want to hear about him," Eleanor rejoined, but then grinned and asked, "So what did they do to him?"
Jackson smiled in return. "Darling, these women can be quite severe," he started again. "They put him in the commode that the female officers use to do their business. He was in there for most of the morning. Sound good enough to soothe you savage breast?"
Eleanor smiled and said that it sounded quite appropriate and told Jackson what he may not have heard while imprisoned, that Graham was in jail and being considered for a mandated sex-change operation.
Jackson let out a whistle and then settled down to dinner. Eleanor then looked deeply into his eyes and told him she loved him very very much and hoped he would forgive her for what she had done.
"I do really think now that I've got this out of my system," she said softly.
Jackson came round and held her in his arms and then when they had finished the dinner and she had complimented him on the whole production, they moved into their commodious bedroom.