The Education of Victoria (22 page)
Read The Education of Victoria Online
Authors: Angela Meadows
At last, when it was nearly time for dinner, a carriage pulled up. Bill opened the main door but I hurried out to greet my last guest. He stepped down on to the gravel and opened his arms as I ran to him and flung my arms around his neck. He kissed me chastely on the cheek.
‘I was so sorry to hear about your father,’ I said.
‘It was a shock but at least he saw me married and ready to take over the business.’
‘How is your wife?’ I asked.
‘Very well, and perfectly happy staying at home, looking after our baby son, while I travel the country visiting our factories. It is wonderful to see you again, Victoria.’ I took his arm and guided him up the steps and into the house. My guests stood waiting for him to be presented.
‘May I introduce Sir Gilbert Stebbings, industrialist and benefactor.’
Everyone wanted to talk at once but I was able to usher us through to the dining room for dinner. We sat around a circular table and engaged in conversation. I was delighted to see Bea and Uncle Pierre giggling together like old friends; Natalie was being sweet to Theophilus; Samuel had a hand on Amelia’s thigh and on more than one occasion he whispered something in her ear that made her smile and blush. Bill supervised the maids serving the food and remained standing behind me when I dismissed the other staff. I coughed to clear my throat and get my guests’ attention.
‘I am so glad that you could all come this evening and join in our venture.’ I looked around at smiling faces. ‘Two years ago when I started at the Venus School for Young Ladies I had few if any thoughts for my future. I have learned such a lot, in particular about my desires and those of other men and women.’ Bill coughed behind me. ‘One thing I have learned, particularly in the last seven or eight months, is responsibility. Whatever happens in the future I am going to be responsible for what happens to me.’
‘Hear, hear!’ cheered Theophilus.
‘I also learned that I have a talent for pleasing other people, men and women. I would like to pass that talent on to others. If two frauds like Madame Thackeray and Madame Hulot can run an internationally known school, then, with help, I am sure I can too. With my dear friend Natalie by my side,’ Natalie smiled and nodded to me, ‘and the support and advice of our trustees, Gilbert, Theophilus, Samuel and Amelia, and of my good friends, Beatrice and Pierre, I am sure that we can make a success of the Victoria College for Ladies.’
‘Named after the Queen?’ Bea asked.
‘Perhaps,’ I replied. ‘Our school will offer a modern curriculum covering all the arts and sciences and will teach our young women how to be independent citizens.’
‘Hurrah,’ Natalie cried.
‘And, of course, with the help of Bill and the other boys, we shall introduce them to the arts of pleasure so that they too can be fulfilled.’
My audience, including Bill, applauded and whistled and hooted. Gilbert stood up and signalled the assembly to hush.
‘May I say on behalf of the other trustees that I am sure that our investment in this new venture will be a sound, nay, a rewarding one. Victoria taught me a great deal when we met not so long ago in Venice and there is nothing I would like to do more than support her. So let us drink a toast to Victoria’s College.’ Everyone stood up with their glasses and drank the toast.
‘Thank you all,’ I acknowledged their congratulations. ‘Now I think the entertainment can begin. Your rooms are prepared so set to it.’ I turned to Bill, ‘Is your little maid waiting for you in her room with her legs wide apart?’
‘I hope so, my lady.’
‘Then get your cock out and go to her.’
‘Thank you, my lady.’
Bill hurried out closely followed by Uncle Pierre with Bea on his arm. Natalie tugged at Theophilus’ elbow, urging him to move while Samuel and Amelia exchanged a kiss on each other’s lips before setting off arm in arm. Gilbert and I made our way to my new bedroom with its thick carpet and low divan-style bed. I pulled on his bow tie and began to unbutton his shirt.
‘When you left me in Venice, I had no thoughts that we might meet up again.’
Gilbert skilfully undid the tiny buttons of my bodice. ‘Nor I, but you have been in my thoughts every day, including my wedding day. This is my dream come true.’
With a bit of shuffling we were soon standing naked. His smooth chest rubbed against my nipples and his hard rod poked my stomach. I caressed his firm buttocks.
‘Mine too,’ I said.
