There is a whispered tradition deep in rural Wales, far from where the tourists tread. It is spoken of with a knowing nod, smirk, and hushed whisper, rarely if ever discussed even among close friends. It is known simply as "the daughter's bed". Everyone knows someone, who knows someone, who's got a friend, whose friend's done it. Many dismiss it as myth or urban legend, it is like that swinger house up the road everyone knows about yet no one's been in, it is like the female fart, you suspect they exist but no one's ever confessed.
Back in the olden days, no one agrees when but probably in the middle ages, a tradition arose. In those busy periods, when an extra pair of hands is needed on the farm, it was common practice to give the worker bed and meals to ensure his labour was available at first light. Now, even though most people have cars, the custom has continued.
So, by now you may be wondering what is "the daughter's bed". Well, should a guest worker be of good character and liked by the farmer, he may upon his final night be offered the chance to spend it within the daughter's bed. Now dismiss any notion of incestuous relationships or worse, we'll be having none of that here. This is an honourable tradition.
The daughter, single but old enough to take a husband, will be offered the chance to lie with a man as if married. (OK, that sounds a little dated, given few women these days remain pure until their wedding night, but the wording has kinda stuck).
Historically, this not only rewarded a good worker but gave the daughter a taste of future married life and would encourage them to seek a husband. Now, of course, there was a catch. Pretty much anything went in bed as both saw fit, but he was not allowed to penetrate, she would feel his warm embrace, the intimate touch of his hand, the taste of his lips and as much as she'd noticed the hardness of his cock, it would not fill her. Instead, he would lay his cock upon her labia and take his pleasure by simply rubbing along its length. " How many broke the rule and slipped welcomed inside is best left to the imagination.
We all knew the rules, the history, the rumours. I was 18 when I learned it was no myth but it was my older sister Mary, sortly after her 19th birthday who had the first honours. She was a quiet girl, our life on the farm made having a social life difficult and as for dating, well that was always a struggle. Sure we met guys but if I'm honest they were bottom of the barrel types. That was to change when Dave arrived on the farm. He was mid twenties, hopping from farm to farm taking cash in hand work as many do. It became obvious that she quite liked this guy and with good reason, he was a cut above the rest around here. Tall, toned and blonde, she always had a thing for blondes.
Taking me into the barn, in low voice, she said: "you know, that stuff you hear about the daughter's bed?" I nodded "well mum's just approached me about it, she wants to know if I'm interested".
At first, I thought she was joking, but I'd learned to spot the subtle signs when she was pulling my leg. "What did you say?" I asked.
"I was kinda embarrassed, said I'll think about it, but she wants an answer soon."
"Are you going to do it?"
She paused "I'd like to, could do with the practice lol, but it's a bit embarrassing knowing my parents know".
"You, know you could just sleep with him the proper way, you are 19".
"Yeah but if I got pregnant dad would kill me, not like we'll be able to trace him".
The day passed and nothing else was said, evening fell and I could sense a certain atmosphere in the house, it felt like that period before the curtains raise in a theatre or when you sit in a doctor's waiting room and make small chat.