Sarah's Playmates (5 page)

I’d have to bathe quickly. I didn’t want her
to sit in cold water. “Fine.” I hurried to remove my underthings,
tossing them over the chair. A fire blazed not more than four feet
away, warming the room. I got in and grabbed the soap, washing
myself vigorously.

“You needn’t rush.”

I dunked under, my golden hair floating in
the water. I used a chamomile and glycerin concoction, scrubbing my
scalp aggressively. Millie rinsed the lengthy tresses, pouring
water from a jug. I wrung the strands out, throwing them over a
shoulder. “I’m done.”

“You’ve not even relaxed.”

“It doesn’t matter. Get in. I’ll sit by the
fire and get the tangles out.”

“You don’t have to be so nice to me.”

“Pish!” I dried off, feeling wondrously
clean. “Let me know when you want me to rinse your hair.”

She settled in the water. “Ooohh, this is
wonderful.”

“It is. Isn’t it?” There was a knock on the
door. “Yes?”

“Do you need more towels?” asked a female
voice. It was Isabelle.

“We do.”

“Might I come in?”

“Of course.” Millie worked herself with the
soap, unfazed by the interruption.

“Here are a few more.” She placed them on a
chair. “Isn’t indoor plumbing a miracle of modern invention?”

“It is,” I agreed. There was something
entirely likeable about my future sister-in-law.

“I’ll comb your hair, if you want.” She wore
a light blue dressing gown. “Edmund’s gone to his club. It’s only
the girls in the house.”

I was slightly disappointed that I had not
been able to spend more time with my fiancé, but we would be on the
train tomorrow, and the trip would afford us days together. “That
would be nice, Isabelle.” I sat before the fire.

She dragged a chair over and sat behind me.
“It’s like a private ladies only party.”

“In the bathroom,” quipped Millie.

“Should I get your hair?” I asked.

“Yes, please.”

“I’ll be back.” Obtaining water from the
sink, I poured it over Millie, rinsing the shampoo out. Then I sat
by the fire, while Isabelle untangled my tresses.

“We should have a party,” said Isabelle.

“We’re not dressed, and my hair’s wet.”

“Edmund bought me a music box for Christmas.
Let’s listen to it.”

“I love music boxes,” said Millie.

“It’s settled then. I’ll go get it. I’ll meet
you in your room.”

After she left, I glanced at Millie. “She’s
fun.”

“I do approve of that one.”

“I know you don’t care for Edmund. I’m glad
you like his sister.”

“He’s overbearing.”

“Millie! You shouldn’t be speaking so ill of
my husband to be.”

“I’m honest, Sarah. I won’t lie to you.”

“But you think all men are overbearing.”

“Indeed.”

I sighed. “So it doesn’t matter who I marry.
The choices are bad and not so bad. I’ve settled for not so
bad.”

“You’re a darling,” she laughed. “You a silly
girl.”

I pointed a finger at her. “You’re a seducer
and a corrupter.”

She gasped, “Sarah!”

“I speak the truth too. The things we’ve done
together have changed me. I think about it all the time.”

A peculiar light shone in her eye. “Think
about what?”

“You know. The intimacies we’ve shared. The
things we’ve done. I know how nice those things are. I really like
our secret lessons.”

“We must keep that quiet. You mustn’t tell
your husband. He wouldn’t understand.”

“It’s our secret.”

“Good.”

“Ladies!” called Isabelle. “The party is
ready.”

I glanced at Millie. “When are you getting
out of the tub?”

“Now.”

“Good. I want to hear the music box.”

“Go on. I’ll be there in a moment.”

I tossed the nightgown over my head. “Don’t
loiter or you’ll miss all the fun.”

In the bedroom, Isabelle handed me a
champagne glass, which was a surprise. “Let’s celebrate.”

“What’s the occasion?”

“Our adventure.”

She would join us on the trip to California.
“I’ve had adventure already.” I sat on the bed.

“So I’ve heard.” She sat next to me. “Your
encounter with the train robber. What was that like?”

“He stole my engagement ring.”

Her mouth fell open. “What a blackguard.”

“He would’ve taken my locket, but I…talked
him out of it.”

“Rightly so. One should never underestimate
the female power of persuasion. My mother always said I could talk
myself out of a box.”

There was something trustworthy about her,
and my guard slipped by several degrees. “I had to kiss him.”

“What?”

“He made me kiss him. He said he wouldn’t
take the locket, if I kissed him.”

“What a scoundrel.” She seemed thoughtful.
“Was he pleasing to look at?”

“Yes.”

“Was he well dressed?”

“No.”

“Did he smell like horse manure?”

“No,” I laughed. “He was clean. He was
handsome in a sort of reckless way. He certainly wasn’t someone I
could take home to dinner.”

“How was the kiss?”

“Very nice.” I clamped my lips together,
realizing that I had said too much. “I mean, he
was…um…respectful.”

“I hardly believe that. If given the time, he
would’ve seduced you.”

“Oh, no. I doubt that.”

Her look was shrewd. “Has Edmund ever kissed
you?”

“Of course.”

“But not the mouth?”

“No.”

“So he took liberties your fiancé wouldn’t
dare.”

“Yes.”

“And you enjoyed them.”

Panic set in. “You think the worst of me
now.”

“Not at all. I like you, Sarah. You’re
spirited and lovely. You’re charming and vivacious.” Her smile
fell. “I don’t think Edmund would make you happy. He’s pompous and
droll.”

“But you would say that. He’s told me how you
don’t get along.”

Her hand covered mine. “Let’s not talk about
Edmund. He’s not worth a minute of my time. Have champagne. I’ll
wind up the music box.”

Millie had joined us; her face was pink from
the heated water. “What’s that?”

“Champagne,” said Isabelle. “Have a glass.” A
pretty melody filled the room. The bedroom was decorated in dark,
heavily carved furniture and flower patterned wallpaper. Isabelle
returned to the bed. “I love champagne.” She downed her drink. “It
makes me happy all over and do things I ought not.”

I buzzed warmly. “What kinds of things?”

Her hand brushed against my knee. “Edmund
will be gone for hours.” I glanced at Millie, recognizing the look
in her eye. Pinpricks of pleasure rushed up my spine. “I can keep
secrets. I’m not an angel.” Her touch on my leg grew bolder. She
whispered, “This is what I miss about school. We used to play
naughty games, and no one was the wiser. A woman isn’t allowed to
seek out pleasure. Even if she’s married, she’ll hardly find that.”
Her smile was coy. “But, if you have lady friends, and if things
happen in private. No one needs to know. There’s nothing wrong with
friendship and pleasure.”

“Millie,” I said, feeling as if I’d just
solved a riddle. “She’s like you. She likes other women.”

My chaperone nodded solemnly.

Isabelle smiled. “There’s something about you
I can’t quite place, Sarah. I sensed it when we first met.”

“My upbringing was unconventional.”

“Yes, I’ve heard about Africa. Your family is
adventurous. I’ve read all about your grandfather, Author Tennent.
His travels in the jungle are well documented by the Royal
Geographical Society. It’s fascinating how he managed to live among
those fearsome natives. You were there too and survived.”

“You live with the Indians,” I countered.
“I’ve heard they can be just as dangerous as the
Azande
.”

“They’re not to be underestimated. The
Calvary has its hands full keeping us safe. I’ve heard some
things…unpleasant things I don’t agree with, but…we can discuss
them tomorrow.” She smiled enticingly. “There are other matters I’d
rather contend with.” Her hand was on my thigh. “Wouldn’t you
say?”

The way the candlelight danced off her face
made her look beguilingly beautiful. Her expression was predatory,
yet seductive, which I found arousing. Men were hardly as forward,
with the exception of that roguish train robber. But…that had been
exciting, and just thinking about the way he had looked at me made
the muscles in my pussy clench. The kiss we shared was singed in my
memory, and it brought back every feeling, every nuance, including
the way he had smelled. I could almost pick up the scent right now,
leather and musk.

“She’s thinking about something,” murmured
Isabelle. “She’s flushed completely.”

“That’d be the handsome outlaw,” laughed
Millie. “What was the bandit’s name? Brack? Ah…Brack Corbett. I
think he stole more than her engagement ring.”

“Oh, hush.”

“Is that so? I’ve heard of the Corbett Gang.
They’re in the papers often.”

“He…he was a scoundrel.” I bit my lower lip,
and Isabelle gazed at my mouth hungrily. “It doesn’t matter. He can
choke on the ring for all I care.” Her hand massaged my thigh,
which sent a rush of flutters to my tummy.

“We could play act, if you want,” murmured
Isabelle. “I could be the robber, and you could be my victim.”
Excitement suddenly animated her features. “That’s it!” She got to
her feet. “Stay here. I’ll be back.” She fled the room.

“What’s gotten into her?”

“You didn’t have to mention that train
robber, Millie. It wasn’t necessary.”

“He’s on your mind.”

“No, he isn’t.”

“Oh, yes he is. I saw the way you kissed him.
I was there.”

“I had no choice.”

“Ha!”

I squared my shoulders. “Are you
jealous?”

“Of gutter trash?” She snorted. “No.”

“I think you are.”

“I can’t leave you alone, ever. I turn my
back, and you’re being molested. You weren’t putting up much of a
fight.”

“Stop judging me, Millie. You’re one to talk
about molesting. What about the first time you tried to—” My breath
caught in my throat. In the doorway stood Isabelle dressed in
trousers, boots, and an overcoat. There was a wide-brim hat on her
head. “Good lord.”

She held a revolver; the weapon was pointed
at me. “Don’t worry. It’s not loaded.”

Millie’s hand went to her mouth. “Oh, what a
sight,” she laughed.

“What on earth are you doing?” It was then
that I realized I adored Isabelle. She was as spirited and fearless
as I wished to be. Either that, or she had completely lost her
marbles. “Why, I never…”

“This here is a train robbery.” Her voice was
low and gravelly. Hand over your money and jewelry.” She pointed
the gun at me. “Go on, young lady. I know you’re hiding your
valuables. Remove that dress.” Millie shook her head, clearly
entertained. “I won’t be sayin’ it again.” It sounded as if she
were trying to accent her voice as well.

Seeing the hat and the gun brought back a
flood of naughty memories. I decided to play along. “I won’t, you
scoundrel!”

She stalked towards me, her boots sounding
hollow on the wooden floor. “Take off that dress or I’ll rip it
from you. Don’t think I won’t.”

“But…that’s unseemly.”

“I don’t care nothin’ about decorum. All I
want is what you’re hiding on your person. Take ‘em off.”

“She’s a wonderful train robber,” quipped
Millie.

Isabelle pivoted, pointing the gun at her.
“You hush, woman! You’ll be next.”

She held up her hands in defense. “Oh, my
goodness gracious. You’re truly the worst sort of train robber. You
should be ashamed of yourself for terrorizing the regular
folk.”

“Just sit there, and be quiet.” The gun was
pointed at me again. “Take ‘em off, little lady. I won’t say it
again.”

“You’re a big, mean man.”

“Off. Now!” Her tone was low and
threatening.

“Oh, fine.” I lifted the nightgown over my
head, tossing it on the floor. “Are you happy?”

“Where are you hiding your valuables?”

“Nowhere, as you can see.”

“Those breasts are sinful, Miss.”

“Really?”

“You’re committing several crimes with
those.”

I crossed my arms over my chest, laughing,
“You don’t say.”

“I’ll have to examine you thoroughly to find
what I’m looking for. Lay on the bed.”

“I’m being robbed! Help!”

Isabelle’s eyes flew wide. “Shush! Not so
loud!” Her regular voice had returned. “The servants will come
running.” Laughter filled the room. The situation was ridiculous,
yet highly diverting. She cleared her throat. “Now, do as I ask,
and no one will get hurt.”

I lay on the bed, my legs dangling off the
end. “Oh, fine. Search me, you filthy bandit.”

Isabelle approached, a hint of a smile
playing around her lips. “You’re not scared enough of me, I’m
afraid. I better rectify that.”

“I have the strength of the Lord to fortify
me. I fear nothing with Him on my side.” A peal of laughter escaped
Millie.

“You’ll be screaming His name when I’m done
with you.” I trembled and buzzed everywhere. It felt as if all my
nerve endings had risen, saluting her. The slight breeze from the
partially open window hardened my nipples, the pink buds pointing
upwards. She leaned over me, her face half hidden by the hat.
“What’s your name?”

“S-Sarah.”

“You’re a pretty virgin.” She thought for a
moment. “Are you a virgin?”

“I think…so.”

“Why the hesitation?”

“I’m not sure.”

“You ever have a penis in you?”

“No, ma’am, I mean, sir.”

“Then you’re a virgin.”

“I guess I am.”

“Do you touch yourself?”

“That’s none of your business.” The gun was
pointed at me. I trembled slightly, thinking that, if it were
loaded, it would indeed be dangerous. “I…might’ve.”