Ever since I purchased the ******** Inn I have allowed myself the luxury of having Tuesday night off. A little 'me time' as it were. I usually add some fragrant oils to a hot bath, light a few scented candles and luxuriate with a good book. Sometimes I get so relaxed I flick the bean underwater - but that's my business.
On one Tuesday early in April we went to Dorchester, I needed to buy a few things including some new books. I always pop into the Lingerie shop in Antelope Walk, the two ladies keep some really kinky knickers under the counter: but you have to ask.
As we were leaving the town we pulled into Tesco for some groceries. I was feeling a bit naughty, not horny, just naughty so when we got back into the car I made Harry work my nipples over while shoppers slowly drove by looking for a parking space.
Then I made him put his hand down my drawers and wank me off. He thought that it was really unfair as his chastity cage was very painful. I said it would earn him Brownie points which meant the cage could come off sooner.
It had been my intention to remove it once I had achieved both my two objectives in the Caribbean but I was convinced that the embarrassing incident had in some way been his fault.
As we drove home Harry said, "Don't forget that I haven't had my pocket money this month."
I snapped back, "Don't forget you still owe me $1000."
I felt like a complete bitch. I've always loved to torment him but just lately I've been a bit nasty too. It's really not like me. I know what the problem is; I'm not planning anything. Normally, I'm thinking of some scheme to make him squirm or some occasion that I need naughty underwear for. I'm sure something will crop up soon.
In the evening I had my run bath and was just about to step in when I remembered that I had left my new books down in the bar. I slipped on one of my silk dressing gowns. I went downstairs and sure enough the Book Shop carrier bag was on the bar. I know you're shocked. You don't mind me being finger fucked in Tesco's carpark or on the London Underground but now you know I don't use a reusable shopping bag you think that I'm despicable. So shoot me.
As I retrieved the bag it occured to me that there was no-one in the bar. I leaned over to make sure I wasn't seeing things when I spotted old Tom sitting at his usual table in the corner. Next to him sat Harry. They had their heads together and were in serious conversation. When Harry saw me he started to polish the table which was quite funny as he didn't have a cloth in his hand.
"Where is everyone?" I said.
"Wheaters!
"They go there on the first Tuesday of every month," replied Harry.
You lazy bugger, no wonder you didn't want me to change my evening off.
"What's that?"
"It's a secret society."
"How come I haven't heard of it?"
"It's a secret society."
I hate it when he tries to be clever.
"How come you're heard of it?"
"We're men."
Oh, that sort of secret society. Like the Women's Institute but with silly costumes and dirty songs. The Women's Institute may be like that too. I don't know, I've never felt the need to go.
"Who the hell are they, and what on earth do they do?" I asked, slightly intrigued.
"The Ancient Order of Saint Wite.
"They preserve the memory of Saint Wite," said Tom.
"I vaguely remember hearing of her somewhere," I said.
Tom replied, "The Wheaters are doing a good job then."
There were only two men in the bar and they were both smart asses.
"You didn't join up then, Tom?" I questioned.
Tom quickly said, "You don't join, you get touched."
"I forgot it was on and I'm sat here now so I can't be bothered to go," he added.
Tom was clutching an empty glass.
"Would you like a drink, Tom?" I foolishly asked.
"That's very kind of you," he replied.
"Harry, get Tom a pint; on the house," I called.
"And give Patch a packet of crisps and a bowl of water," I added. The little dog had been staring at me and sniffing the air expectantly.
I thought that Tom had probably had enough of a look at my left nipple so I pulled my dressing gown back into place and returned upstairs to my bath.
A few nights later Farmer Ted was leaning on the bar waiting for me as I walked in.
"I found the book," he said, looking around to see that no-one was listening.
"What book?"
"THE Book. The one that all the Farmers' wives wrote down in what was permitted on the farm."
"What's in it?" I asked.
"Don't know, I'm not allowed to open it," he replied, as if it was obvious.
"Why not?"
"I'm a man. Only women are allowed to read it."
"Then you're buggered," I said.
He looked around again before whispering to me, "You could have a look."
"Why me?"
"You were the last woman to ride the, you know.
"You must have felt their spirit."
"I felt a lot of things that day but none of them were spiritual?" I told him.
I must admit I was intrigued by the thought of seeing the book. I had thought of those women a lot since hearing about and experiencing some of what they did. I would love to know exactly what they allowed and what they prohibited. I think that was partly why I had been feeling so listless lately. After that day my life had been slightly flat.
I have no complaints about what happened. I am a firm believer in the country way that if you say you will do something you must stick to it. I said that I would do whatever the winner wanted for the day and I fully expected to do so.
"OK drop it in here and I will have a look at it," I said, techily.
Ted said, "No no, it mustn't leave the farm."
"Alright, I will come to the farm tomorrow afternoon! Is that alright with you?"
"Thank you," said Ted.
-
When I got to Yew Tree Farm, Ted was waiting for me.
"It's a nice day. Do you want to sit in the garden?" he said.
"Sure, anywhere but the barn," I laughed.
"Do you want tea or coffee?" asked Ted.
"Tea please, I never ever drink coffee," I replied.
Ted brought my tea in a huge mug. He had the same size mug of coffee.
He unwrapped something which was folded in vellum and laid an ancient book on the table. Ted moved his chair a little backwards like he thought he would turn into a pillar of salt if he even glimpsed inside.
I carefully opened the book a few pages in. Each page was covered in fine writing some of which had been crossed out and amended several times in different hands.
At first glance it appeared to be the sort of recipes/medical cures/horticultural tips that any farmer's wife would have collected over many years.
Each entry started with the words 'AS IS THE CUSTOM' giving it a sort of authority.
The words were archaic or strangely spelt but it didn't take me long to follow their meaning.