"The desire to immolate oneself, to suffer, to prostrate oneself before authority or superior power, is at least as strong as the desire for liberty, happiness, or equality." - Joseph de Maistre
Extreme Love I: The Summer of Francesca
Anne lay naked on a chaise under a bright June sky at Mr. Schuyler's estate. Hearing footsteps, she turned her head to see a stranger arriving and stood up politely with her hands behind her.
Francesca was tall and twenty-two, three years younger than Anne. While Anne was slender, Francesca had an athletic build from having grown up on a farm. Her blonde hair came to the base of her neck; Anne's was brown and descended only halfway down hers.
"So you're Anne; Carol told me about you."
"Yes, ma'am."
"You're Mr. Schuyler's, and Paul sold you to him."
"Yes, ma'am."
"And this is where you stay now, after your training at the academy."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Will you please stop answering 'Yes, ma'am' to everything I say?"
Anne began to reply, then stopped in confusion. Tears started to her eyes and she lowered her head.
"What's the matter, Anne?"
"Oh ma'am, you're so beautiful and I wanted you to like me and I was trying so hard, and now" - her breath caught - "I messed everything up."
"No you didn't; here, lift your head." Francesca put her hand under Anne's chin; she produced a tissue and dried Anne's eyes. "Saying 'Yes, ma'am' over and over sounds like you aren't listening; if you'll just vary it a little I'll know you're paying attention. And I think I like you already. Is that better?"
"Yes ma'am it is; thank you. I'm sorry I cried. Is that how I should answer?" A smile came to her face as she looked up at Francesca. Her heart beat a touch faster.
"It'll do. Give me your leash."
Anne bent over giving Francesca a view of her thighs and hips, opening her legs to improve it. She retrieved her leash and held it up with both hands like an offering to the young woman who stood over her.
"Why aren't you tied up?"
"They were cleaning my cell and Frieda put me here; they know I won't run away. Ma'am," she added quickly so as not to be disrespectful.
"Turn around and put your hands behind you."
Anne did as she was told. Francesca fastened her steel bracelets together and attached the leash to her metal collar.
"Where does he exercise you?"
"Over there, ma'am," inclining her head toward a grassy area surrounded by cypresses beyond the patio.
"Lead the way."
With Anne (whose heart was definitely beating faster now) in her control, she proceeded to a tall rectangular framework on the lawn. A young man sat in a chair reading a newspaper. He rose and bowed.
"Madame."
"Paul, would you ask Mr. Schuyler to come out here, please; Frieda too. And ask her with his permission to bring..." Turning to Anne, "The whip or the riding crop?"
"Both please ma'am, if you would like that."
"All right, both." Paul left on his errand.