**This can be read as a stand alone, but it might be better to read Serving Girl. Again, just a little fantasy I thought I'd share. It has no basis in reality nor is it intended to bring to mind real persons either living or dead.
"We begin this morning's sermon with a reading from St Paul..." The round man orated from his perch atop the lectern.
Susannah had been taught to pay strict attention to the preacher, for he would show the way to piety and goodness, and Susannah had never questioned her mother's teachings and by extension the lessons taught by Minister Davidson. Mr. Davidson had been a kindly gentle soul who always took time to pat Susannah on the head and with a twinkle in his eye, admonish her to obey and honor her mother. Therefore, Susannah sat tall and gave him her full attention.
But this preacher, this short, rounded man with a booming voice and greasy hair, seemed to meet each parishioners gaze with a look of accusation which caused Susannah to search her memory for the misdeeds she ought to confess. He scared her so much she was nearly able to forget the pinching in her nipples.
That was her misdeed, she realized. After seven full days she was still being caught showing improper posture and this morning Lord Jeffry, who curiously didn't seem truly irritated, switched from ordering her to wear the bells, to ordering her to wear the crosses. Seven days of being the new serving girl for Lord Jeffry Stahlings; seven days of performing her duties bare breasted and sometimes completely nude with her arms bound behind her, and still she could not maintain Lord Jeffry's edict of strict adherence to a woman's proper posture. Simply put, she could not remember to always stick her tits out.
"Bearing in mind, God created man in his image, and then created woman to be Adam's helper..." the preacher boomed as if he wished the whole county to hear his voice, "and that a large amount of time passes before Eve is seduced by the snake; thus bringing the downfall of man and the woman's curses resulting in the pangs of childbearing, during which Eve submits to Adam and helps him in every way. Dear people, Eve submits to Adam not for the sole purpose of procreation, but because it is God's wish and Adam's right."
Susannah felt Mr. Jamison grab her breasts and pinch her nipples again. Unfortunately, she let out a squeak and the preacher turned his accusing eyes directly upon Susannah.
"Wives be submissive to your husbands, let women be silent in the churches. These were not suggestions, made by St. Paul, oh no. These were commands from God Himself, revealed to St. Paul and we are grateful for the knowledge of how best to please God!" He raised his fist in the air and then pounded the podium thrice. "Go with the Lord my children."
"Oh girl, you've done it now." Mr. Jamison whispered in her ear as they filed out of the little country church. Being servants of Lord Jeffry, they waited while he made his way out and shook hands with the preacher. Lord Jeffry then motioned to them indicting they should wait, and so they did.
When the church was empty and the parishioners had all left, the preacher turned his gaze back into the church and motioned Susannah forward.
"Did you have something you wished to add to my sermon, girl?" The preacher stood in the doorway and blocked Susannah from exiting.
"Nnn no sir... I'm... I'm terribly sorry for..." Susannah could barely even get a whispered reply out she was so afraid of this man.
"And do you have anything you wish to say other than this pathetic, simpering excuse for your disgraceful lack of humility?"
Susannah clasped her hands together in front her and looked at the ground, wishing it would swallow her up, and shook her head.
"I see." He stood silently and studied her for a moment, the turned to Lord Jeffry. "Mr. Stahlings, it seems your servant girl has learned neither posture nor the humility required to be man's helper as dictated by God Himself. I should like to instruct her further, if I may."
Susannah stole a glance at Lord Jeffry and was even further alarmed when she noticed he looked on with apprehension.
"That is very good of you sir, but this morning I have pressing business. Perhaps, if you would be good enough to come to dine this evening you could offer her your guidance."
"Very well. In that case, I shall provide her with reading material... er, can she read?"
When she noticed Lord Jeffry shrug his shoulders Susannah felt compelled to come to his rescue and she slowly shook her head. Lord Jeffry stepped forward and grabbed Susannah's hand and propelled her forward past the preacher.
"Reverend Fallwell, please be assured she will be instructed during our ride back to my manor. When you and I dine this evening, you can then test her. Good day."
In the carriage Susannah struggled to understand how this preacher Fallwell could be so very different from Mr. Davidson; the kindly minister she had grown up listening to and always wanted to impress with her unwavering obedience to her mother.
"Well Jamison, while that was fun, it certainly was a narrow escape." Jeffry growled at Jamison. "Now I shall have to suffer through a dinner listening to the..." He stopped and looked at Susannah. "Tit's out even when riding girl. Jamison, remove her covering again today."
