The Major's Wife

I like the loving wives category but it can be difficult to come up with something different and the comments are often ruthless. I try to explore alternate realities or situations with angst.

I do spell and grammar checks and proofread but bound to miss some. If that bothers you too much maybe think about reading something else.

Please check the tags, don't read it if it's not your thing. Otherwise, I hope you enjoy it, they are free and they are just stories.

Best Wishes, Satin

This is one of three stories set in England during WWII. These are intended as erotic stories without comment to the morals or otherwise of the actual people alive at that time. They are an exaggeration of what could happen and not intended to be realistic.

Britain was at war with Germany and the axis powers. It was a time of major upheaval; men, women and children endured extreme hardship and distress in one form or another; few people escaped the rigors of life in wartime. The country had to endure bombing raids, including the threat of gas attacks. Starvation was a real possibility and rationing of food began in 1940. Meat, sugar, butter, cheese, and eggs and even clothing were rationed. Over a million children were evacuated from towns and cities and had to adjust to separation from family and friends. London was attacked on 57 successive nights and there were heavy raids on other major cities and ports.

Women and children between the ages of 14 and 17 were in full-time employment, many covering work vacated by men who fought across the globe. Children reaching 18 were conscripted, the boys into the armed services and girls to women's auxiliary services, the land army or taking on other essential war work, including working as mechanics, engineers and on munitions.

All three stories are set in an imaginary English village of Little Woodhill. Each story can be read separately.

This story considers a scenario where the Nazi's win 'the Battle of Britain' and invade the British Isles, under the planned operation 'Sea Lion'. It is the opposite result of this first story 'The Bakers Wife'; this possibility is covered in a range of books including Robert Harris's Fatherland.

By the time America joins the war, it is too late! They have nowhere to gain a foothold in Europe. All of Europe's resources are now turned against the US; while the Americans are fighting on two fronts, the Pacific and Atlantic. The decision not to support Britain earlier now seemed catastrophic!

Neutral countries, including Sweden, Switzerland, Spain and Ireland are also under axis control. Japanese forces sweep through Asia and Australia. Russia is barely holing on, with Germany able to deploy the majority of its forces on its Eastern front. There is talk of a treaty and Russia withdrawing from the conflict.

***

Katherine or 'Kate' Prendergast wasn't lady of the manor, but she was as close as anyone got to such a thing in their small quiet village. She lived in the old rectory with her husband Peter until the disaster of the invasion.

At 37 years old and with a slim figure, she was an attractive and elegant woman, very much an 'English Rose'. She had a temperament to match: kind, caring and interested in others. She rode horses which kept her fit as well as providing a healthy complexion that complimented her long blonde hair. That might have come from long distant Saxon or Viking heritage.

They were financially well off before the war but that meant little these days! Kate was the unofficial lead for many of the village activities and committees.

She knew she could attract men but had fallen completely for her husband; who was a very handsome young captain when they had first met. He'd taken his men to defend the coast, but superior German airpower had won the day. To Kate's horror there were reports that Major Peter Prendergast has been killed in action during the German landings.

The vast majority of army units were evacuated from the Western ports to British colonies and Canada, but smaller volunteer units fled into the mountains and forests of Northern England, Scotland and Wales to continue a guerrilla war against the Nazis.

***

The pristine armoured cars and trucks that headed toward their village sent shock waves through the small population. Kate was by no means an expert but she recognised the dreaded SS insignia.

They arrived and immediately rounded up everyone. The few older men remaining and teenage boys were told they would be confined in a prison camp and work the fields every day. They were forced into the trucks amidst screams and crying from family members, unsure if they'd ever see them again.

The women were shepherded into the village square. A cruel looking officer announced that the German soldiers would be billeted within the village, in addition the women were to be 'allocated' by lots to the soldiers. They dragged the first woman onto the market cross steps; Kate recognised her friend's 16 year old daughter, she looked absolutely terrified! They started drawing lots eagerly to see who who 'win' the pretty young girl.

Kate stepped forward and begged them to stop, asking what kind of men they were?

The officer laughed at her, "We are the winners Fraulein, it cost us a lot and we're far from home, so now we are taking our rewards. As you want to help the girl, you can go first instead, but a lady such as yourself is a special prize. Maybe we will draw three winning lots for you and you can entertain all of them, we'll see how much fight you have in you after that!"

"Screw you, you coward!"

"You and the other ladies will all be getting fucked tonight; it's up to you how it goes. Go along with it and have a nice time or you will all be forced; and we wouldn't want any harm coming to the children would we. I'll take the girl, Lieutenant why not show the men the star prize."

A soldier stood up and lifted the hem of Kate's dress showing her stockings and suspenders. She slapped him hard and pushed her dress back down. The soldier was furious and backhanded her across the face before ripping open her dress revealing her bra. The men started braying to draw lots and win the stunning prize that was now on show.

The lot drawing was interrupted by the sight of another military column. It was German as well, the SS officer looked concerned. The half-tracks and trucks looked old and dirty with obvious signs of damage. The lead vehicle pulled into the square whilst others circled the village, masses of soldiers spilled out efficiently, taking positions without the need for orders.

A tall blonde man in a dusty uniform strode up to the SS officer. He seemed to take in the scene before him with Kate's ripped dress and the hysterical young girl being held.

"You are relieved Hauptmann (Captain), we have been allocated this sector for forward operations."

"Nonsense, a regular army unit does not take precedence over the SS."

"Maybe not these days, but we are tasked with eliminating the insurgents, a task I doubt you would be willing to undertake. Perhaps you should leave it to those who know what they are doing and run along."

The blatant insult infuriated the SS Captain, "You can conduct your orders from elsewhere, we are the same rank and the SS carries seniority."

"That's not actually true, my years of service carry the seniority, I was an officer well before the war, and before you and your like turned up. That point is mute however, as I have recently been given a field promotion, so it's Major Schmit to you! Now unless you are refusing to follow a direct order, I'd suggest you and your troops move on and let my more experienced men handle the region. Go back to London and leave the fighting to us Captain!"

"We will see about this!"

The new Officer looked totally at ease, "There is another reason you should leave of course, you have managed to get you and your men surrounded... gross incompetence at best which I could report!"

Despite the bluster, the SS officer ordered his men to prepare to leave, adding, "Bring the two women for interrogation."

"I don't think so Captain, they stay here... she is a child for Christ's sake. Go now or face the consequences!"

The regular soldiers shifted slightly, giving every indication they were ready to act. The SS left in a hurry led by the totally disgruntled officer.

The Major brought Kate a blanket allowing her to regain some modesty. She wasn't relieved; the new soldiers looked altogether tougher and were probably more ruthless. She wondered if they had just jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire.

"I am sorry Miss, that should not have happened and it won't happen again!"

Kate felt a sense of relief but wouldn't bring herself to thank him.

"My name is Major Schmit, I am sorry for the disruption but we do need to billet the men in the village and some proper beds would make a welcome change. We can use spare rooms, there is no need to throw families out of their homes. I personally guarantee that none of you will be coerced by my men; the penalty for doing so is hanging!"

There were looks on unease between the women but no sound of protest as the Major continued, "Who owns the house there by the green? I need to use it as headquarters?"

Kate lifted her head, "That's mine... mine and my husbands."

"Ah, then it looks like I will be your guest."

The Major turned and told his adjutant to radio their Colonel to recite what the SS captain was up to. They didn't need this happening in another village stoking up even greater resistance. It felt like they were ambushed from every hedgerow as it were.

Just then a shot rang out, everyone dove for cover.

"The Major is hit."

"Sniper... church tower."

Men moved rapidly, there was tense wait and some gun fire was heard. A few minutes later two soldiers marched a boy out of the church by the scruff of the neck.

"Here is our would be assassin!"

Kate panicked, the blood draining from her, it was her nephew Billy! The major stood up from cover, trying to stem the flow of blood from his upper arm.

Kate pleaded, "Please don't hurt him... he's only a boy!"

The Major turned toward him, "How old are you?"

Billy stood taller shrugging off the soldiers grip, "13, nearly 14."

"Were you aiming for me?"

"I was aiming for an officer, just like how the French got Admiral Nelson!"

"Smart man and that was pretty good shot at that distance with that gun. Do you know the penalty?"

Kate pleaded again, "Please don't, I'll do anything you want."

The Major hesitated looking at her, she certainly was a fine looking woman, before returning his attention to the young boy, "Well I can't let you go, I doubt you'd miss a second time! You know that other officer would have killed you and all of your family... maybe the whole village!"

Billy's eyes widened, "I, I don't want anyone else to get in to trouble, it was my idea, no one else knew! You should just blame me... if you're a real soldier."

The Major laughed out loud, "It's been a long time since anyone questioned my honour! Is there any way you can convince me you won't try it again?"

Billy looked down speaking quietly, "I promise not to, I don't have any other bullets or the rifle now, but I wouldn't want to put my mum at risk, dad said I had to look after her."

For the first time tears filled Billy's eyes.

Take him away Lieutenant, just guard him... nothing else. It's getting late and we need to get organised, I will decide what to do with him in the morning."

***

Kate was allowed to return home and change her dress. She was worried... was the delay to test if she really would do anything the Major wanted in order to save Billy? Looking at herself in the mirror hesitating, could she really do that? She lifted her chin... if that is what it took she would be willing, other people were making far bigger sacrifices in the war.

The troops moving into houses ran remarkably smoothly, most people stayed in their homes and the soldiers used spare rooms. A mess tent on the village green and served food, the villagers were invited to eat and with little other food available took up the offer.

It was after nightfall by the time Kate answered the door with dread, opening it to find the Major standing there. She was surprised by the fact that he had bothered to knock. She invited him in as he thanked her and sat at her kitchen table.

"Sorry I don't know your name and it seems we will be housemates for a while at least."

"It's Katherine, Katherine Prendergast."

"It's an honour to meet you Katherine; I am Maj... no I am Thomas, Thomas Schmit."

An awkward silence followed until Kate broke it, "Did you save Billy because I offered to do anything you wanted. If that's what you want... I will do it, we can't lose Billy as well, he is the only son my sister has left!"

Thomas looked sad, "There is no need, I wouldn't ask that of you."

That left Kate feeling relieved but uncertain and maybe... even a little rejected... then she wondered about what he did want.

He seemed to read her mind, "A clean bed and sleep would be a precious gift."

Being in the same house as another man was disconcerting, Kate struggled to sleep, thinking about what fate awaited Billy in the morning. She thought about walking into the bedroom next door and offering herself to the Major. He'd said he wouldn't ask it of her, but if she offered willingly that might save Billy!

She got as far as the door, he looked totally exhausted and was in the sleep of the dead, only a slight rise in this chest gave an indication he was still breathing. Kate retreated, now even more uncertain of herself and what tomorrow would bring.

***

Billy was brought in the following day, his guards, Thomas and Kate faced each other across the kitchen.

"Well, we have to figure out what to do with you!"

Thomas caught Billy's glance toward the knife rack, "You aren't going to stab me, are you?"

It looked like Billy was thinking about it for a second, "No I promised."

"I understand what you did, I would do the same... but you are so young."

"I am old enough!"

"You are right; there are others your age fighting. Still I wouldn't needlessly sacrifice young men for no reason, whatever side they are on. Wanting to fight is fine, but part of being a soldier is assessing what is possible and choosing the right time. What you did was suicidal not tactical, you should fight smart... like your men in the hills."

Billy smiled, "Risking my life for a Major... it's seemed like a smart move to me!"

Thomas was taken aback, it was a cold clinical assessment. Billy was right, he would have made the same decision, in fact he had made similar assessments in just about every fight he'd been in. It was all so thoroughly disheartening, children willing to sacrifice their futures.

He shook his head, " Where do you live?"

"On our farm a couple of miles outside of town with my mum."

Thomas seemed deep in thought and was quiet for a while, "It was a brave act, and such bravery doesn't deserve death! Are you willing to go back to your farm and not cause us any more trouble?"

Billy nodded, "Yeah, you have my word."

"So I have your word as a soldier, no repeat of this. Promises are easy to break in war Billy; your word is much harder to keep. I am going to trust you so don't make me regret it. I am not asking you to never fight, just wait until you can join a regular unit. Let him go Corporal!"

"Sir, are you sure?"

"Certain I have his word, there is nothing to be gained from yet another death and I am not about to start killing children. Billy, I hope one day this will all be over and you will have another life!"

Kate broke down crying, hugging Billy with all of her might. His escape from what seemed like certain death was palpable. She ushered him outside, tears of relief flowing from her eyes.

"Stay on the farm Billy, we all just escaped a catastrophe!"

He nodded and left looking far too grown up in Kate's eyes.

Kate returned to her kitchen, "Thank you... but why did you do that for Billy?"

Thomas shrugged, "Lots of reasons, he gave me his word and it was a brave act. I actually liked him, you should be very proud of him. He stood up to all of us, a boy that age... well it was really quite remarkable! I have seen so much and yet still he surprised me."

Thomas thought of all the promises he'd broken and what had happened to the young man he once was, a man who once had same ideals as young Billy. Hopefully there was still some of him left. Had he saved Billy or was he trying to redeem his own soul... the latter felt like a losing battle.

"He is too much like his Father and Uncle, but I can't thank you enough for saving him. Does your arm hurt, I could redress it?"

"Thank you but its fine, it just grazed me."

"Your English is flawless, where did you learn."

"I learned from a young age and studied for three years at Cambridge before the war."

Kate found another dressing and insisted on changing his bandages. The Major conceded and removed his jacket and vest. He towered over Kate before retaking his seat. She began to change the dressings, noticing numerous other scars over his strongly muscled torso.

He saw her staring, "Not my first graze Katherine, I am not sure if I am lucky or unlucky."

He sat quietly as she dressed his wound, "And to answer your question further... maybe I am tired, tired of it all, all the death! You know this village is just like mine back home, but I haven't seen it for 3 years. That girl yesterday reminded me of my own niece, it's all so..."

He seemed to shake himself, "Sorry that is not something I have shared before, I would appreciate your confidence, my men shouldn't ever hear such reflections, they need certainty!"

"I won't say anything, but you shouldn't worry about feeling like that... Thomas, it shows you're human."

"I hope and pray you're right Katherine, I really do!"

***

Katherine lay in bed thinking about the events of the last two days and the German officer currently billeted in the next room. He had been remarkably forgiving, yet she thought he was one of the most dangerous men she'd ever met. He reminded her of Peter her husband, that mixture of humanity and toughness. Her thoughts moved to memories of Peter, from all accounts he was lost to her, killed in action months earlier.

On a daily basis the soldiers treated her and the other villagers with respect; she became on unofficial spokesmen and raised issues with the Major. He always responded with courtesy and kindness. Despite trying her best not to, she had to admit liking him and dreaded to think what the alternative might have been. It was clear that not all the occupying forces acted in such a manner, there were horrific stories of punishments, torture and even massacres.

The Germans were frustrated; Kate heard enough to understand they had been tasked with clearing Northumberland of all insurgency. It was a far from easy task; it was beautiful but could be a harsh landscape. The hills and forest were extensive and sparsely inhabited. The remaining British soldiers although few in number were very effective, well organised they could live off the land, using hit and run tactics. It was similar story in Wales and Scotland. In those areas, the Germans had burned down farms and remote villages, putting the population in camps, but to no avail. The Brits raided German supply lines and there was an abundance of wild deer and hill livestock to live on.

Kate offered Thomas a cup of tea as they sat in the parlour late at night, "Will the fighting be over soon?"

Thomas's reply was remarkably open, "Not for a while, it's attrition now, they have the advantage of knowing the land. We haven't fought like that, out in the open we'd win easily, but they have snipers picking us off then disappearing. They organise lightning raids; hitting depots and supply lines. We know some of them are SEO 'Special Operations Executive' and commando units.