The Training of Scarlet Worthy (4 page)

Lady Julia placed my written petition on her desk. She sat upright, starring pleasantly at me, her hands on the desk in a prayer position, tapping her fingertips together as she waited for my answer.

Once more I cleared my throat, remembering what I had urged myself that very morning languishing in my dreary hotel room.
Don't mess this up Sibyl. You need this job, and you'll do whatever it takes to get it - and keep it.

"I really want you to like me My Lady." I blurted it out. My petition was genuine. I had suddenly lost the will to filter my feelings, and I was okay with continuing.

"I can keep your books, and I am most trustworthy My Lady. I would be loyal to you above all, and your business and finances would be kept secret and confidential. Other than the needs of the vacant position, I lack any distractions that would inhibit my full attention to the satisfaction of your needs. You may consider you wishes to be my commands. Please allow me to serve you My Lady. I will do my best not to disappoint you."

I dropped my eyes in final submission. I had little else to say. I felt exposed. I felt naked, and more vulnerable than I had ever felt in my entire life. The room was silent. Time passed. Then it seemed as if time had stopped. There was no answer forthcoming from the woman to whom I had confessed my servitude so explicitly and so passionately. Slowly, tentatively, I looked up. Lady Julia, was smiling.

"And if you do disappoint me? What then Sibyl?"

I lowered my head. I wasn't sure if she was teasing me or not. I was not going to take that chance.

"If so my Lady, I would expect you to correct my behavior until I improve, until my behavior meets with your satisfaction."

"Well said Sibyl." The lady clapped her hands to suggest some finality to the brief interview.

"Then I have the job My Lady?"

"Yes dear Sibyl,” She wiggled her index finger. “But on a trial basis at first. If you accomplish all that you have vowed to do for me, then I will anoint you to a position with - shall we say a more formal
permanence
?" The tone of her voice accented the word Permanence, and she followed that with a sinister little laugh.

Lady Julia rose and came around to my side of the desk. She placed her arms in an outstretched position. I stood, and I instinctively placed my body within her embrace. She held me for a moment, then she kissed me gently on my forehead. She smelled so divine. I closed my eyes and melted in her warm embrace.

"Done." she said.

“Now follow me, I will show you your office, but first I must send Madison on a little mission. She picked up a phone on her desk and whispered something to someone whom I presumed to be Madison.

My office,
I thought.
I'm to have an office?
I was beyond joy. At that moment I felt so wonderfully needed. I was the assistant to Lady Julia-Sweeten-Roseau, Mistress of Brighten Manor.

My Lady terminated her conversation and led me into a large room, one that would easily be taken for a college library. There was an oversized mahogany desk in one corner, two leather couches facing each other and two side chairs designed to accompany the decor and to face the occupant of the desk.

"Is this the Lord's office?"

My Lady snickered. "No, no Sibyl. I presume no one explained my circumstances. Lord Martin Roseau left the Manor years ago. He was senior to me in age. I met him when I was on Holiday on the Riviera, we married after a short engagement."

"I'm so sorry My Lady. I didn't know."

"I’m afraid the poor soul was burdened by his privilege. The estate came to him by inheritance, and he never dealt well with his title or the responsibilities that came as the Lord of the Brighten Manor. He admitted such shortcomings to me as I was administering a favorite form of exercise at my stable suite. He collapsed before me, and he relinquished his title
and
Brighten Manor soon thereafter."

She continued. "I know what you’re thinking Sibyl. The separation was complete, and yes. I now have sole ownership of the Estate, including all of the assets inherited by the former Lord Martin. Be mindful of your inquisitive mind Sibyl. You are bordering on - how did you put it - corrective action?"

"I'm sorry My Lady. I'll mind my too curious tongue."

"Good, you will be best served in your new position to simply follow orders until I feel that your training here is complete. Now back to the business at hand. This is your office. I'm sure you will find it to be well equipped. It served your predecessor well."

“This is my office!" I almost shouted. I was overwhelmed.

"Yes dear. This office is all yours. You will find your Mistress to be quite generous to those who serve her well."

"Oh My Lady, may I have permission to ask a question?"

Lady Julia stood and positioned herself in front of me. She placed her hands on my shoulders in a most gentle manner. She smiled. "You learn quickly little one. You have already learned that it is best to seek my permission than to blunder into some impertinent line of inquiry. You may speak. What is your question?"

"Thank you My Lady. What happened to my predecessor? Did she quit, did you discharge her?"

The tall woman cupped my cheeks in her hands. I starred inquisitively into her clear blue eyes. She towered above my modest five foot three height. She was considering my question. She stroked my face gently almost absentmindedly as she spoke.

“The young woman came to me much as you have Sibyl, she also so energetic, educated and so naively raw. Don't take that as an insult Sibyl. You must admit you have little life experience beyond that cloistered collegiate environment that you most recently left. Like your predecessor, you come to me as a novitiate, a young woman in need of the experience that you too will learn under my guidance."

She idly stroked my pony tail. "Your hair is lovely Sibyl, unruly and brittle in its current state, somewhat like you, a raw asset, and one that I will take pleasure in taming."

She paused and starred deeply into my eyes. I wondered if she was still referring to my hair. I started to bend my head downward to avoid her gaze. I could feel the blushing beginning again, but she held my hair firmly so that I could not look away. I felt captive and captivated by her. My legs trembled beneath me. It was a new feeling, but it was a pleasant feeling. There was a blushing tingle in my belly. I was beginning to enjoy being captivated by this beautiful, mysterious and demanding Goddess who trapped me between her palms.

"I have yet to discharge anyone whom I deem acceptable for service. I don’t permit staff to leave my service until they have completed the requirements of their service. So, having said that, I will answer your question dear Sibyl - since you asked so politely."

My eyes became hooded. She continued to stroke my hair. It was mesmerizing and administered so tenderly. A dreamy feeling washed over me. I felt at peace within myself. I felt protected by My Lady, and I allowed myself the peace of belonging to her.

She leaned forward and began a whisper in my ear. I could feel her warm breath upon my neck. I began to purr inside, content with the sweet tone of her voice.

"The girl before you graduated from my service six months ago. At first she was a bit reckless and rebellious. My training methods adjusted her behavior to become more compliant. Soon she performed her duties wonderfully, and as a result, once I felt she had been reshaped in my service, she was discharged to follow her new life. We correspond often. In fact, at my appointment, she is currently the CEO of one of my companies in the city of Aix-en-Provence in southern France. The company is performing well now that she is at the helm. I'm proud of her. While in service here at Brighten Manor she learned to manage the organizations that supports my Estate. Someday I hope to have the same pride in you Sibyl. Do you understand me dear girl?"

"I think so My Lady. I'll try to be worthy."

She stepped back, look squarely at me, cocked her head in a most mischievous manner and said, “Worthy - I like that. It fits you.”

She kissed me on the forehead, and without explanation regarding what she found so compelling in that word, she changed the subject.

"Now let us consider your living arrangements."

My Lady released me from her embrace. She took my hand in hers and urged me to follow her. We left my new office and exited a side door of the mansion stepping into the late afternoon sun. The shadows on the garden path were getting longer and the air felt cool on my cheeks. The smell of jasmine filled the spring air and my soul was at peace. I had a job, and I was enchanted with my new employer.

A job
, I thought.
My heavens, we never even discussed my salary
. I made a mental note to ask My Lady.

The first building that we approached looked like it was a cottage from an English fairy tale. It was made of field stone like most of the Manor buildings, however the roof was thatched. The thatching softening the image as we grew closer. The front door was made of an ancient wood and it was curved at the top. I could see the craftsmanship even at thirty paces. Flower boxes graced the two windows on either side of the door and tiny balconies provided the occupants a grand view from what I surmised to be the upstairs bedrooms for the guests of Lady Julia.

We stopped at a little gate in the fence that bordered the cottage. My Lady flicked open the latch and swung the gate open.

"In you go Sibyl, this will be your new home for the time being. I'll need you nearby so that I won’t be kept waiting if I require your services.”

My jaw dropped. "This is for me? There must be some mistake, it's so big..."

"I rarely make mistakes pet.” She said squeezing my hand. “Now close your pretty mouth or you'll be catching flies." She giggled a bit, and squeezed my hand again.

"Trust me Sibyl, you will earn every bit of my generosity - as I said, I'll require you at any hour - day or night, so having you close by is not exclusively for your benefit. It is for mine. Let's you and I get a good start on your training.

That is rule number one. You must learn to anticipate whatever you can employ that is for my benefit, or provides me personal comfort, or ensures my pleasure and or my amusement. The details of specific duties will follow shortly."

She squeezed my hand a bit more firmly for emphasis. "Come, let us play. Shall we explore your little cottage together? Follow your Lady Julia. Be at quick-step Lass; the sun is setting and I need you fed and bedded. Tomorrow will be a new life for you. You'll need rest to begin your fist day at the Manor."

"But what about my things, and my Hotel?"

"My dear Sibyl, all that is behind you. Madison has already collected you things and charged your accounts at the Hotel to me. I'm afraid your mine.” Her smile was sweet and she spoke so easily. I was enchanted by her manner.

“So relax dear Sibyl. By the way, speaking of former residences, who knows of your whereabouts?"

I thought for a second. "Now that's an interesting question. I guess just you and me? The University is expecting me in three months My Lady - but anyone else? I suppose no one. I left word with the campus that I would be traveling, here and there about Europe for the entire summer. So here is where I am. Funny isn't it? I guess for all intent and purpose - I've somewhat disappeared."

The cottage was more than I could have ever hoped for in a residence. Lady Julia escorted me through each of the rooms and told me of the history and of the artwork. She had me touch the priceless furnishings. I marveled at the completeness of the home. It was
move-in ready
. The kitchen boasted every conceivable appliance and came equipped with all necessaries of knife, fork and spoon.

There was one unique feature to the home that initially puzzled me. It was I who squeeze her hand. I bowed my head a bit. "My Lady, I have a question - if I may?"

"Permission granted little one, ask me as you wish."

I pointed to a device that was imbedded in the wall of every room. Oddly shaped I thought, it came equipped with a small three inch speaker.

"What is this?" I touched the unit. "And why is there one in each room, including the bath and the master closet? Are they for music?"

"They can play music." Lady Julia turned a switch on the device, and instantly, the sound of a soothing Strauss waltz filled the room. It was lovely.

"However that's not why I had them installed. They are also an intercom. The master control I carry with me at all times. I am therefore able to reach anyone in my service - Cook, the woman that first greeted you, Madison, the stable staff, field hands, and of course you Sibyl - especially you Sibyl. It does other things, but mainly it insures I have prompt attention."

Lady Julia ran her fingers up and through her beautiful blond hair. She arched her back and let her hair draped gracefully upon her shoulders. She winked at me. “Does that answer my inquisitive assistants' question?"

"Oh," I nodded my head. I understood her, but I was puzzled, just how much free time would I have? I was pondering her answer when she spoke.

"Let me demonstrate." She raised a small switch on the intercom that was marked with the letter C and spoke. "Cook?" She waited. Almost instantly came the response in a French accent.

"Oui My Lady?"

"Cook, prepare a nice meal for Sibyl, and bring it to the cottage. Also, in the morning - a full English breakfast. She will need it for her first day in service. That is all."

Lady Julia disengaged abruptly. She turned to me. "Make yourself at home Sibyl. Tomorrow morning I will collect you at the front gate of the cottage at precisely seven. We will tour the estate, and then get you settled in your new office. There is a box in your bedroom closet. It contains clothing suitable for your position. I have had your old clothing packed away. It was not of the quality I require of my assistant. Good night and rest well."

I was left standing alone in the kitchen. I took a deep breath and tried to assimilate what had occurred since Madison had picked me up at the hotel. It all seem so far away and long ago.