Premarital Conditions 01

My wife, Katherine, and I got engaged young. We were nineteen, with a view to getting married after we finished our university degrees when we would be twenty-one. This was cause for joy among my own friends and family, but consternation for her parents. They were not at all happy. That much was made clear to me, but what I didn't know was that my future mother-in-law, Teresa, was trying to poison her daughter's mind against me.

Teresa was a physically attractive woman, and I had always thought so. While my fiancée was a ballerina, with a slender, elegant body, small breasts, beautiful long legs, a soft pretty face, and a mane of silky dark brown hair, her mother was slightly fuller of figure and perhaps not as nice a face, but kept fit, and both dressed and maintained herself very nicely. As someone who always appreciated a woman's legs, especially in expensive sheer tights, the fact that she often dressed for work in nice skirts and blouses, or wore dresses on nights out, was an additional attraction.

Less attractive was the fact that she could be manipulative. Although she had always been this way, she began directing her manipulation toward Katherine in earnest immediately after we announced our engagement. This was something I only found out after a number of months and a great deal of grief, but it is also something that brought about changes in all of us and our relationships with one another. In light of this, I will begin by recounting what happened before I was any the wiser.

***

Our engagement had taken place on a Friday night, and with me working and Katherine doing ballet training on Saturday, it was Sunday before Teresa first confronted her.

'Katherine, you know your dad and I are not happy about this,' she said to her daughter over coffee in their family kitchen that morning. 'We just don't think you have enough experience. How do you know that you even love Thomas enough to make a marriage? You have only had one boyfriend before, and don't know what's out there.'

Katherine, always slightly naïve as to her parents' intentions, was devastated.

'Mum,' she responded with tears forming in her eyes, 'how can you say that? Tom and I have been going out for three years already, and we just know that we want to get married. You and dad only dated each other before you got married, didn't you?'

'Yes, but that was a different time,' Teresa said, coldly. 'And besides, we have had lots of opportunity to learn about what we like since.'

'What's that supposed to mean?' Katherine said, taken aback.

'Katherine, I'll be blunt. Your dad and I have been with other people since we got married. Ours has never been an open marriage, but we have experimented together, and learnt a lot about what we like. That's one of the reasons we have lasted so long together. He knows what I need, and lets me have it.'

'What? You mean you and dad have slept with other people?'

'Not your dad, Katherine. Me. Surely you realised that at some point? Do you remember when Monica would come over...?'

'You and Monica? Mum! I thought you were just friends,' Katherine cried.

Teresa put her hand on her daughter's. 'Katherine, I can't believe you are just learning this now. I assumed you would have figured it out. But that's why I don't want you marrying Thomas. How do you even know what you like?'

'Mum, I just know,' said Katherine.

'Well I don't think you do, whatever you say. So I want to propose something to you. You want your dad's and my support for your engagement? You can have it. If...'

'If what?'

'If you allow me to set you up on at least four different dates with at least four different people. If you do that, and actually commit to them as if you weren't with Tom, but still want to marry Tom afterward, we will support you.'

''What?!? You want me to cheat on Tom four times? And what if I don't want to?'

'Then your dad and I will make life very difficult for you, Kat. Think about it.'

And with that, my fiancée got up, went to her room, and slammed the door.

***

They sat down together for dinner as a family at seven that evening: Teresa and Katherine's dad Jon, Katherine, and her seventeen year-old brother, Chris. Katherine looked sullen.

'Kat, I understand that you and your mum have had a talk?' Jon said as he poured the wine.

'Yes,' Katherine said, shortly.

'Well, you are obviously not happy about it, but have you given it some thought?' Jon said.

'Yes,' she said.

'Oh!' Jon said, with surprise. 'What's it going to be then?'

'I'll do it. I'm not happy about it, but I don't want to fight with you, so if this is what it takes to earn your support and to prove that I really do want to marry Tom, then I'll do it.'

'Okay. Great. Then these are the rules: 1. You cannot tell Thomas anything about this. No matter what. If you tell him, then the deal's off. 2. You have to go on the arranged dates like you mean it. No faking it, and brushing off the person afterward. You may decide that you don't want to go out with them again, but you have to honestly try to enjoy the time you spend with them. 3. You have to report back to your mum on each date. Do you understand?'

'Of course I understand.'

'Good. Do you agree to the terms?'

'I don't have choice, do I? Yes, I agree to the terms,' Katherine concluded unhappily.

Teresa added sharply, 'And while this is going on, I absolutely forbid you from having sex with Thomas. Is that clear?'

Even Jon expressed surprise at his wife's closing remark. 'Teresa, hun, we didn't talk about that as a condition,' he said.

'Well it's a condition now,' Teresa responded. 'And that's that.'

My fiancée left the room, crying.

***

Katherine and I spent quite a bit of time together at university over the next week, and I surprised her on Thursday with tickets to the ballet for Saturday night. I always looked forward to our dates like this, because as a romantic, I loved seeing her all dressed up, taking her to dinner, noticing all the men looking at her in the foyer of the theatre, and knowing that I would be the only one to touch her later. Indeed, whenever I planned a date like this one, I would dream for days ahead of time about what she might wear, how elegant and gorgeous she would look, and what we might do together afterward.

When Saturday arrived, then, I went to my regular weekend job in a huge warehouse, and thought about her at ballet, daydreaming all the while about her in her light pink or white leotard and white tights, in the studio with all the other beautiful young women stretching and moving swan-like around the floor. And I thought, too, about the fact that I knew her mum was taking her out shopping for some new dresses, and wondered what sorts of things she would pick. My head was so in the clouds that it was difficult to concentrate on my work, and my colleagues harassed me about it. 'Hey Tom,' they said. 'You planning on getting some action tonight with that hot fiancée of yours? You've been out of it all day!' I smiled to myself, knowing that the boys at work knew exactly what was up.

After ballet, meanwhile, Katherine took her customary shower, put on her clothes and make up, pulled her hair back into a ponytail, and left the studio to meet up with her mum.

As was customary when she was going out, Teresa was dressed in a nicely-cut black skirt that hung to just above her knees, expensive, nude-coloured, sheer tights, black medium-heeled shoes, a light blue silk blouse, and a tailored jacket over top. Her naturally dark hair was cut to medium-length, and her gold necklace, watch, and rings sparkled. Katherine was dressed more like the older teenager she was, in a short denim skirt, black semi-opaque tights (still of the best quality, as her parents would never purchase anything that wasn't from the top of the range), Doc Marten boots, and a hoodie. Even like that, she would catch the attention of men, as the slightly punky style could not conceal the fact that all her clothes were expensive, while her pretty, feminine looks and the elegant way in which she moved attested to the cultivation under which she had grown up.

Together, they headed to a number of shops, where Teresa was more hands-on than usual in helping Katherine pick out and try on various dresses and other clothing. Then she did something that surprised her daughter. She took her by the hand and led her to a very exclusive, independent women's shop a couple of streets away from the mall in which they had already spent a couple of hours. It was obviously a place in which she spent a great deal of time, for as soon as they walked through the door, a woman--whom Katherine guessed to be the owner--greeted Teresa with enthusiasm.

'Teresa, good to see you. Did you like the things you got last week?' she said.

'I certainly did, Charlotte,' Katherine's mum replied. 'In fact, I'm wearing some of it now.'

Katherine looked around the shop, and knew that her mum must be talking about her tights and lingerie. There were beautiful things everywhere: bras and panties, camisoles, teddies, baby dolls, stockings and garters, tights of different deniers; she had never seen so many things like it, even in the numerous department stores she had been in over the years.

'But listen, Charlotte: today I'm here with my daughter, and I want you to help her pick out some nice things. This is Katherine. Kat, this is Charlotte.'

Charlotte moved toward Katherine with took her hand gently in her own. 'Good to meet you Katherine. Hopefully you'll be as happy with what I can do for you as your mum is.'

Charlotte paused, and seemed to appraise Katherine's appearance. 'Well, I can see that she is wearing tights that you bought here,' she said to Teresa. 'And my goodness, she has a beautiful body. Her legs are stunning, and the way she carries herself... just beautiful.' Then, addressing Katherine, she continued, 'Let's get you out of those boots and that hoodie so I can see you better and we can choose some lovely things for you.' And with that, she reached down and pulled Katherine's hoodie over her head. Then she led her to a velvet armchair, sat her down, knelt down before her, and began to untie her Docs.

As she did this, she held Katherine's leg in one hand and when the boot was off, ran her hands over the fabric of her tights. 'My goodness,' she exclaimed, in Teresa's direction. 'The lines of her legs are exquisite. You are going to make someone very happy my dear,' she finished, turning back toward Katherine. 'Now, stand up and let me look at you.'

Katherine did as she was told, in only her stockinged feet, skirt, and a tight t-shirt. She hadn't worn a bra, as she didn't have very big breasts anyway, and she had not expected to be exposed like this.

'Charlotte, I'm going to leave you to it with Katherine. I'll come back in about forty-five minutes,' Teresa said as she moved towards the door of the shop.

'Okay love, I'll take good care of Katherine,' Charlotte said in reply.

She moved in behind Katherine with a tape measure, and wrapped it around her chest. Then she let it fall away and cupped Katherine's tiny breasts in her hands over the t-shirt. 'Just as I thought. 32a. You have such adorable breasts, Katherine. I hope you don't feel self-conscious over their size. With your frame, they look perfect. Now what about your other measurements?' She got down on her knees, and ran the tape measure up the inside of Katherine's leg and under skirt. 'Your legs are not only beautifully-shaped, they're also perfectly proportioned. You, my dear, are one beautiful woman.' And with that Charlotte ran her hands up and down Katherine's legs, over her hips and bum, her stomach, and back over her breasts before finally expressing satisfaction.

'Now I know exactly what we're dealing with. Katherine, let's find you some underclothing to match your beauty.'

By the time Teresa returned, Katherine had see-through underwear in various colours, bra and panty sets that were clearly meant to be seen, as pretty as they were, in silky, stretchy floral patterns, tights from the sheerest to opaque and everything in between, teddies, camisoles. You name it. Teresa didn't even blink when se laid her card on the counter to pay the almost two-thousand-dollar total.

'Charlotte, thank you so much. I'm sure Katherine will appreciate all you have done for her. As for me, I'll probably be back in a few weeks. But call me if you have time for a drink, and we can meet up.' They kissed each other on the lips. Not deeply, but in a way that was more sensual than a mere greeting.

Through it all, Katherine was overwhelmed. She felt as if she was in a trance, that it was all a dream, and that she was only observing things that were happening around her. It would only begin to feel real after she got home with her mum.

***

They got back after four, and neither Jon nor Chris were at home. Teresa told Katherine to have another shower and to shave her legs, while she herself would lay out a suggested outfit for the evening. When Katherine got out of the shower and finished blow-drying her, she walked to her bedroom to find only one of her new dresses--a long black dress made of lycra with a tightly fitted bodice and sleeves, that became long and flowing from the hips down, but had a slit up the front along one side that meant it could open to mid-thigh if its wearer moved in a certain way. With the dress, there was a pair of seamless, very sheer, very fine tights in black, and finally, a pair of black suede four-inch high heeled shoes. 'Mum,' Katherine yelled to her, 'Are you suggesting that I don't wear any underwear at all tonight?'

Teresa yelled back, 'Yes honey. That's exactly what I'm suggesting.'

Katherine eventually emerged from her bedroom, to find her mum sitting cross-legged on the couch in the living room, dressed in a claret-coloured silk dress, similar black tights to her own, and the same shoes.

'Are you going somewhere too, mum?' Katherine asked, surprised.

'No, honey. I just thought I would try to match your beauty tonight. But I am afraid you're going to have to cancel on Thomas.'

'What? Why?' Katherine cried.

'Because your first date with someone else is happening instead.'

'But Tom will be on his way here by now! What will I say? He'll be devastated!'

'His feelings are not our concern tonight, honey. When he gets here, let him see you so he knows what he'll be missing. I'll be with you. Let him see me too. That way, we'll maximise his jealousy. I'll just say that I have plans for you instead, and that he'll have to either go to the ballet alone, or not bother.'

Which is what happened. When I arrived at Katherine's door, I couldn't believe my eyes. My fiancée looked more incredible than I had ever seen her in all our time together. She opened the door to me in my suit, and as she stepped gracefully back, it struck me that she looked like a princess. A very beautiful, very sexy princess. At that moment I burned with love and desire for her. Then her mum appeared, and she shocked me with how sexy she also looked. Her silk dress shimmered and showed more stockinged leg than I had ever seen on her, and her heels made her much taller and more intimidating than I had witnessed in her before. 'What's going on?' I asked. 'I thought you and I were going out Kat, but it looks like you're dressed to come with us, Teresa,' I said.

'I'm afraid, Thomas, that Katherine will not be going with you tonight. Plans have changed at short notice, and she is going out with me instead,' Teresa said.

'But, but...' I looked longingly at Katherine. 'Is this true? I got a new suit, booked us a table at The Unicorn, and I bought the ballet tickets a few days ago. What am I going to do now?'

Teresa responded coldly. 'Perhaps you could go with someone else tonight, Thomas. Katherine is with me.'

'But where are you two going looking like that?' I said, bewildered and hurt.

'Katherine can tell you some other time. For now I'm going to have to ask you to leave Thomas. But I'll tell you this. You do look very handsome tonight. Please enjoy yourself.'

Through this, Katherine remained quiet, but kept watching me with sad, sorry eyes. Finally, she said, 'Mum, can I walk him out to his car?'

'I guess, Kat. Just be quick.'

Katherine stepped forward then, and I saw the slit of her skirt open to reveal one gorgeous leg, sheathed in a gorgeous stocking. I felt faint with unrequited lust. Then she took my hand and guided me out the door.

'I am so sorry, Tom. I didn't know my mum had made plans. I promise, I'll make it up to you as soon as I can.'

At my car, she kissed me, and I could smell her perfume and feel her hair against my face. 'Good night, Tom. I love you,' she said, then turned and walked back toward her front door. I could do nothing but get behind the wheel and drive away, dejected.

***

What I did not see and could not have known was that ten minutes after I left, another car pulled up in front of my fiancée's house. Inside, Teresa's phone buzzed, and she said to Katherine, 'your date's here.'

Katherine stood nervously, wondering who it could be and what was going to happen. Then the door opened, and in walked... Monica. Katherine looked at her mum, perplexed.

'Katherine, I haven't seen you for two years. You look beautiful!' Monica said, before turning to Teresa. 'Thank you, Teresa, for making this possible. I will take very good care of Kat tonight.'

Katherine spoke. 'What is going on? Mum, you said you wanted me to date different people. Why is Monica here?' Tears were welling in her eyes.

'Katherine, Monica is your date. She and her husband recently split up, and Monica is looking for someone to spend some time with. She has always admired you, and when I spoke with her about your situation, she asked if she could take you out. So I said yes.'

'But mum, you... you...' Katherine was crying now.

'I what, Kat? Slept with her? Yes, I did. Many times. We still do. But Monica is younger than me, if older than you, and she needs something more than another married woman. You will go out with her tonight and enjoy yourself. Do you understand?'

Katherine was distraught. 'I'm not interested in women, mum! How can you do this to me?'

'Not interested in women, Kat? How do you know that? I didn't know I was until after I was married, and I don't want you to make the same mistake I did. So go out with Monica, have a wonderful time, and just see how things go. We can talk about it after. Now, you two have a reservation to make I believe.'

'We do indeed, Teresa,' said Monica. 'Please come along, Katherine. I promise that you'll have a wonderful time. And we won't do anything you don't want to do. I really just want to get to know you better, and enjoy some time with you. Okay?'

Katherine nodded, and walked with her mum's friend out the door and to the car.

Monica acted like the perfect gentleman to Katherine's princess. She opened the door for her, and held out her hand for support as Katherine slid into her seat, then she walked around and got behind the wheel to start the car. Before she did, she turned to Katherine and said, 'Kat, I know this is a surprise to you, and that you are probably feeling sick about what you are going through. But please don't worry. I talked with your mum about her concerns, and while I trust that you and Thomas will be fine once you're married, I did agree with her that more experience might be beneficial for you. And I have to say that I am overjoyed with the chance I have to go out with you. I'm only thirty-five, you know. I'm young. Or at least I feel young. And while I would never have acted on anything when you were younger, I have to admit that I have admired you since at least you were sixteen. So now that you are a young woman, this is like a dream come true for me. But I meant what I said. We won't do anything you don't want to do. In fact, if you want me to, I will tell your mum whatever she needs to hear in order to count this as one of your dates. So please, relax, and let's just enjoy ourselves tonight.'