Things Could Go On As Before

Things Can Go On As Before

I'm so sorry, my apologies, for some reason I was under the impression that you knew the whole saga. No of course, you're quite right, loyalties do stretch on down the years, people are more discreet that perhaps we give them credit for sometimes.

Well, alright, I was thirty nine when I came to Martin, O'Neill and Black. James Martin was the only name left of the original partnership and had taken over from his father long years ago. There was a senior solicitor and three juniors. James Hurst, the senior solicitor were engaged in an on-going affair. Considering that she was twenty eight and he was in his fifties it was an on-going source of debate.

Two young secretaries kept things on the straight and narrow along with Marion who was Mr. Martins private secretary as well as taking on some of the general duties. Marion had been widowed for some time and her plans were to retire within a few years and eventually move to England to be nearer her son and daughter .Hence my arrival to get to know the general set up and because I had a long experience in law firm workings gradually take over her role.

What I didn't know and what was never alluded to in any way within the chambers was that Marion had been mistress to Mr. Martin in an on-going affair which stretched back many years and certainly long before her husband's demise. James Hurst may have had some idea of how long it had been although even that is doubtful. It was he who took me aside when I appeared settled in the firm and put me in the picture but none of the other members of chambers would have had any idea of duration if in fact they were even aware at all.

So, that was the state of affairs, literally, when I came to Martin, O'Neill and Black. It was a busy firm but with an efficient, stable staff ensured that everything ran smoothly. There was a lot to learn because many of the systems were different to those I had been familiar with and it was important to know and recognise the long standing clients whose business Mr. Martin had handled personally over many years, so I found the work interesting and absorbing and feeling confident and settled working alongside Marion.

I was thirty nine, I think I'd already mentioned that, married and with just over twenty years secretarial experience, sixteen of those in two law firms in Belfast. I came back after missing the coast and the sea for so long and my husband who had a taxi firm took on a lucrative contract with an American firm who ran a chemical plant locally. This took him to Belfast and Dublin on a regular basis when engineers, executives and general staff were on the move between Ireland and the States. Strange hours, a lot of driving although he did enjoy it and the work was well paid.

I did actually have some reservations about just how often these longer trips were taking place. He used to tell me who the people were that he had ferried , he was an out-going, garrulous man and almost made it a point to get to know his clients personally. There were many stories about their lives and experiences and it had been interesting to hear of how extensive this company actually was and marvel at the adaptability and mobility of the people who worked and ran it. Over a time the stories and experiences began to dwindle. There was just as much business, just as many if not more trips but was seemingly reluctant to say much or answer me when I enquired. On more than one occasion Jesse the secretary at his office rang to ask was he there and when I told her he said he was running so and so to Belfast she appeared puzzled and had no note of that in her appointments book or it was for the next day or next week. I doubted Jesse's accuracy more than George's truthfulness and yet I knew that he had praised her efficiency many times and that she was always on top of all the work. It went out of my head, I had enough to be thinking about at work although I was also aware that our sexual activity had certainly declined substantially but between the increase of work commitments and the stresses that had brought with it appeared simple enough just to put everything down to that.

Anyway, all was going well at Martin, O'Neill and Black, I was on top of the work and thoroughly engrossed in it. It was Marion who reminded me one June morning that it was three years that week since I had started in the office. We chatted about how time seemed to slip away unnoticed and that she was planning to finally retire mid or end of the following September pointing out that she was almost seventy, well beyond her pension age although and both laughed when she said she neither felt like nor wanted to be referred to as a pensioner and had only stayed out of loyalty to James Martin. I asked but almost immediately regretted it given their secret intimacy what age Mr. Martin was but she gave no indication that it was in any way none of my business and informed me that he was sixty four and we both agreed that he was a fresh alert and active man.

In September I organised an office party to give Marion a fitting send-off. Solicitors, clerks, secretaries and a continuous flow of clients past and present filed through the offices that day and gifts of all descriptions began to pile up on and around her desk. We closed early that afternoon and after some drinks and food and presentations from our own staff Mr. Martin handed over an envelope containing a cheque for what I knew was five thousand pounds. I was aware of the amount because I had typed it myself and taken it for his signature wondering at the time how much of that generous amount was down to personal attachment. It was a passing thought which was none of my business, Marion was a gentle, lovely lady and I was pleased she was being shown how much she had been valued.

Soon life at the office fell back into its own routines. Mr. Martin in my time there had been at all times the perfect gentleman, he had guided me and gently shown me what was required, had not put a foot wrong neither professionally nor personally, always polite, as out-going and friendly to me as he was to his clients and I had come to admire him increasingly in the time that I was there.

One Monday morning a few months after Marion had gone I took Mr.Martin's morning coffee into his office as usual.

"Celia, would you mind bringing your coffee in here and join me."

It wasn't unusual if something urgent had to be noted or dictated to have my coffee in his office but the " join me " seemed to indicate that it might be something less business like, I was really not prepared for what came after.

I did as he asked and sat just in front of his desk when he indicated I should take a seat. I had no idea what he had in mind, perhaps a new member of staff to be trained or a vacancy advertised, it wasn't anything wrong with work that would have come from James Hurst in any case"

"Celia, you've been here for some now time but in that time you've shown yourself to be totally capable and proficient at running our office. You have been the ideal replacement that Marion had envisaged and recommended, in fact probably well beyond what she had expected and I have found you to be an admirable and personable young woman.

I don't wish to embarrass you or put you on the spot or feel cornered in any way and whatever your reaction to what I have to say I will accept entirely and neither question nor show any displeasure show on any answer you might give.

Now, you may or may not be aware, it is irrelevant in any case that Marion not only took care of business matters for me but that we were intimate, I was her lover for many, many years. It would be my absolute delight, privilege and honour if you would consider taking on that role as well. It is not my intention to shock you and I apologise if I have and as I said I will accept your refuse should you do so without question or displeasure. I ask only that before you do refuse if that is how you feel this moment that you do as I request and consider what I have said. Unless you simply want to push this whole episode out of your mind and say no immediately then take whatever time you need to think. I find you a most attractive woman in all aspects of personality and physicality and although I fully realise that there is a vast age gap between us I am confident that you would find me a confident and attentive lover and that your satisfaction in any sexual liaison would be my paramount consideration. "

I was stunned, I wanted to rush from the office, forget what had just happened, say no more about it and simply get back to concentrating on day to day business...but I didn't. I had never been spoken to in that way before, there had been, appreciation mentioned and shown and perhaps the greatest compliment that I had ever been paid, possibly the greatest compliment that any woman could be paid that I had the respect and admiration of this widely known and respected figure who had the manners and dignity to approach me in such a way. I rose from where I had sat glued to the spot and he immediately did the same. I saw his smile and recognised the look of sincerity and hope which it embodied.

"Mr. Martin, I am flattered and pleased by what you have said and at the same time I am shocked simply because I had no indication as to what you had in mind and you will understand that was the last thing I would have expected". I could see his nod of agreement as I went on, "I will do as you suggest and take time to consider what you have said, my mind is whirring and there are too many different emotions to be able to think clearly. I promise to think about your offer and I appreciate your understanding. I suppose after all what you're saying is things could go on as before."

"Yes Celia, I'm hoping that it could. "

I turned, taking the coffee mugs both untouched and cold. In the kitchen I emptied and washed the mugs and taking two cups and saucers made fresh coffees. One of these I set on my own desk as I passed and with a knock on his door entered and set the other by his hand.

"Two late in the morning for full mugs but I think perhaps we both need this."

What I hadn't admitted to and probably the real reason why I had the presence of mind to stay in his office and say what I had was that secretly I had fantasised about the very situation he was suggesting. I was impressed with the man, felt close to him and yes, a definite desire for him allowing my fingers many times to add to the pleasure of the scenario I played out in my mind. Not only that but when my husband decided that he needed sex he wasn't the one between my legs relieving himself inside me, in my mind it was James Martin there instead and when on occasion George had trouble reaching climax his longer sessions and the images I conjured up brought on my own.

That was a month ago almost, three weeks and two days to be exact. We have met privately on four occasions in that time and have been intimate on the last two meetings each a fulfilling treasured memory when right from the start despite doubts, guilt and nerves he soothed all of that uncertainty away, brought me to a point where I longed for his domination, wanting more than the kisses and caresses of the previous two occasions. Smoothly, skilfully he brought me to orgasms whose intensity, depth and length I had no idea could be possible. His own finally matched mine, as I felt his cock engorge to its fullest and the long deep penetrations as his semen was released. I became even more enthused by his own low muted roars of pleasure, urging him to fuck me ,fill me, take me and my cries of delight as those hundred little orgasms that had gone before merged in one intense explosion as my own juices rushing to merge with the hot lava flow he had set off inside me.

In the few weeks since our affair had begun I knew that there was a total change in outlook on my part. I felt an even stronger sense of confidence both personally and in the business matters. I realised that it stemmed from a very strong feeling of being desired because James had talked at length about his reliance on me and how since we had become so much closer business and personal life had somehow merged and strengthened. I felt needed and his words were a reassurance that I was. It was more than simply using me, there was no question of that type of detached relationship. We both agreed that we understood the limits which circumstances imposed but that within those limits we would have total togetherness....our professionalism through work and the added dimension of our intimacy.

A few days later Mrs. Martin paid a visit to chambers. He had warned me that she would appear mid-morning and to keep the appointments clear for the time being. I was nervous, I would have gladly slipped out of the office and let one of the younger secretaries greet and show her into the office but I persuaded myself that this was something I needed to face up to. Rona Martin was a trim sixty six years old. She embodied all that was classic in a country lady, with neatly trimmed grey hair showing perhaps just the hint of a rinse, timeless clothes which surpassed the fads of modern fads and fashions and wearing what are always referred to as sensible shoes. She had a ready smile and still had the handsome looks which would have made her an even more desirable, vivacious woman in her younger days. There was no hint of neglect, no seediness creeping in and on her fairly frequent visits to the office despite initial misgivings due more to my own feelings of inadequacy in her presence had always been outgoing and friendly.

This occasion was no different, Mrs Martin came straight to my desk after a quick smiling chat with John Hurst .

"Celia, lovely to see you again, you are looking quite radiant my dear. Is all well with you? James tells me you have blended seamlessly into Marion's former role. He tells me how delighted he is and I am as well, I hope you are enjoying it all. I've just popped in for a few minutes, I won't upset the timetable, no, don't get up. "

"Thank you Mrs. Martin, nice to see you as well. Mr. Martin is expecting you of course."

"Celia, please, you must call me Rona." And with a smile she stepped briskly into her husbands' office.

Had I detected something in her words, had her eyes searched mine for any show of aversion any avoidance at her mention of how seamlessly I had blended into Marion's role. Had she any inkling of just how seamlessly....surely she didn't know, no of course she didn't?

Not more than ten minutes later she re-appeared and stood close by my desk.

"Good, that's it for now, "and bending slightly put her hand lightly on the top of my wrist, "Don't allow him to push you too much darling, be firm, know your limits. Perhaps see you soon Celia but bye in the meantime." Another brief exchange with Mr. Hurst on the way through, good-byes to the other girls and she was gone leaving me more than a little confused and a little uncertain at her words.

When I took him his lunch-time pot of tea I stopped in front of the desk. He smiled up at me as he always did, a smile which never failed to remind me of the pleasures this man had awakened in me and again without fail the little charge of electricity those thoughts revived caused a twitch between my legs which usually refused to settle until my fingers for a few minutes at least had relieved its demands in the toilet. "James," I said, returning his smile, "may I ask, does Rona know about us, is that possible? "

"Yes, she does, what makes you ask, was something said?"

"Only indirectly," I answered, "but how, how does she know, no one else has a clue?"

"I told her Celia, there are no secrets between Rona and myself, she accepts what may happen in my life and I am at ease with however she conducts hers. We are both private and discreet about anything of this nature and there has been total acceptance for years. It does away with any need to lie or deceive, no judgements are made, none are needed. We are still together on matters of family and our lives beyond what we are discussing here. It has proved to be a successful and beneficial way of getting along."

"I see, I hadn't realised. "

Confused once again and with mixed and muddled feelings I turned to leave the office .

"Celia, it's really alright, Rona won't breathe a word of this to anyone, won't interfere in any way and will show no hostility, spite or say anything aimed to upset you. She has no jealousy, we are long, long past that. I'm sorry this has upset you, I would have been telling you soon but obviously you have picked up on something Rona has said inadvertently and I really am sorry it has had this effect. Can we meet later, even just for a few more minutes to clear the air and perhaps you will have been able to settle"

By the time half past five came around I had settled and my anxieties of that morning had lost the initial impact and importance that caused my panic and confusion. They had been replaced by that overwhelming desire which took over when we were about to meet, more than desire ,more than a need ,something like an addiction you cannot rid yourself of until it is satisfied. For me it the whole content of our love-making was dream like, I revelled in all the facets of pleasure which we gave each other and which guaranteed such overwhelming and unbelievable climax and satisfaction.

"Don't we need to talk?" he asked after passionate kisses.

I cradled his face in my hands. "James, my darling, all of a sudden it doesn't really matter as much, I lost my composure today, it was as simple as that .I didn't have time or couldn't take time to think clearly. I should have been able to relax and just be part of things."

He was already firm when I opened his trousers. I absolutely adored taking him in my hand and feeling him grow and when I murmured in his ear that I was ready for him, that he should take me there and then it was only moments before my skirt had been lifted and I was being supported as I lay back on the bed. His fingers slipped beneath the edge of my knickers and the realisation of how wet I was brought him between my legs and while I held my underwear aside his cock, full, vibrant and hot without hesitation entered me and bringing gasps from both of us as my heat surrounded its shaft. Within seconds I could feel the first stirrings of orgasm and in this half conscious ,half dream like state I felt his own approach and as before this awareness brought my own surge as I lifted my hips to meet his thrusts and once more receive his molten eruption.

Ten minutes later, pulses settled, hearts no longer racing, impulses and desires sated he made coffee and while we sat in bed i asked him again about the situation with Rona.

"No we don't sleep together at least not literally although that may not be what you're actually asking me. We do make love, occasionally.....I suppose it's some way of telling each other that there is still some spark of what we once had and in another way it is a homage to how we have managed to peacefully and civilly adapt our lives to each other's needs. The truth is she is fond of the attention of younger men, much younger men and as a completely personable and still desirable woman has no trouble at all attracting and keeping a number around her. Not all are intimate with her in the fully sexual sense but are close and she is skilful enough to know in each case just how close she needs to allow that to be to keep their interest.

There is also an on-going affair with another man her own age but from what I can gather the vigour of years ago has weakened somewhat and although they will probably always be friendly and no doubt affectionate when they meet her interest sexually has more or less disappeared. I believe young Edward Holt who you may know from our dealings with Cray and Caxton is what you might call flavour of the month judging from the number of times his car has been seen at my house and I think that state of affairs to use a pun may have been going on for many years ."