By Jane Johnson
Illustrations by Tarsis
Originally Published in Bondage Life No. 30, November 1987
Scanned and Transcribed by guardian46wStory Codes: F/f, bondage, reluct, cons, maid, training, rope, chain, shackles, gags, uniform, leather, rubber, boots, heels, X
A titillating fantasy of rubber, leather, and high-heel bondage.
CHAPTER ONE
Since her family had disowned her for choosing to study Art in Paris, she had been forced to work every school holiday to support herself during her terms at Art School.
Her rather pampered upbringing had provided her with almost no skills, and so she had gone to seek employment in England each holiday, working as domestic help.She had always been reasonably successful in obtaining a position when necessary and her present desperation was the result of having narrowly escaped the altogether too intimate attentions of her most recent employer. She had always been proud of her womanly figure and, true, tended to take every opportunity to display its finer ‘points’ by wearing low-cut sweaters and tightly fitting blouses. This, unfortunately, had led to a rather unpleasant situation at the home of Lord and Lady Biltmore. Although her manners and behavior were always polite, Lord Biltmore had been unable to maintain a distance and had finally accosted her in the pantry.
She managed to trick him into leaving her alone briefly, during which time she proceeded to escape out the back door with only a minimum of her personal effects, forfeiting her pay, and leaving herself without sufficient funds to ensure her return to Paris, not to mention tuition fees for another term. She had, in fact, nowhere to spend the night, not to mention the coming week during which time the agency would be closed for the holidays.“Please, Ma’am, I’ll take anything, really, ANY-thing,” Cecile implored the Placement Officer.
“Miss, if I had even one position available, don’t you think I’d offer it to you? I’m sorry.”Just then the phone rang… Cecile held her breath as the Placement Officer said, “Yes, Madam, I’ll call you back shortly. Returning the receiver to its cradle, she looked up at Cecile, and odd look on her face.
“There’s a position available for five days at…”“I’ll take it! Cried Cecile, gathering up her purse and her small bag of possessions. “Where is it?”
“Now wait a minute, Miss, let me explain a little about this position. It’s at the summer home of a wealthy merchant and his wife. They’re expecting visitors next week and require the services of an all-round Maid but only until the visitors leave. They pay very well, considerably more than the usual rate for Domestic help, but they have particular requirements of the girl they employ.”“So far it sounds very appealing,” Cecile replied, “but what are these ‘particular’ requirements?”
“They require that the Maid wear special uniforms and equipment provided by them and perform all duties as specified without question. They seemed to imply that the applicant must be forewarned that total compliance will be required. Probably trying to weed out the chance of hiring someone who won’t be serious about working, you know. A lot of girls come in her thinking that a Maid is the same as a cleaning lady and apply for a position having had no training at all. At least you’ve been reliable in the past, from the look of your references, and have some experience in Maid work.”“Well,” said Cecile, “I must admit I’ve never had to wear a real uniform before and what do they mean by equipment?
The Officer had no idea.“But it sounds like just the thing; I’ll really enjoy being well paid for a change.”
“I must give you one warning,” said the Placement Officer. “None of our girls has ever agreed to return there. In fact, every girl we’ve ever placed there, for however short a period of time, has never taken another placement from us. I don’t know why exactly, but it’s certainly something to think about before accepting the position.”“Please,” urged Cecile, “I really must have a placement, and I’m quite sure I can do whatever is required of me for five days. I mean, it’s not like it’s a long time.” She mused, “Maybe if I do a really good job they’ll retain me for longer.” Cecile’s attention returned to the Officer. “I still have three weeks to try to make enough money to continue school,” she said. “Where is this place, anyway?”
“Very well,” said the Officer, “I will take you to the train station. I’m closing now anyway, and it’s on my way. You can still make the 6:05 local to Seven Oaks, when you get off, wait in front of the ticket office and Andre, the chauffeur, will introduce himself and drive you to the Bothewell Mansion. It’s twenty miles, or so, from the town, I’m told, and the country’s very nice. Here is your letter of introduction.” Cecile took the envelope. “Shall we go?”CHAPTER TWO
She nodded and smiled. Ignoring her outstretched hand, he tipped his hat and said, “Come with me, please.” His manner was cold, but a flicker of light in his eyes hinted at a warmer interest. After a few unsuccessful attempts to obtain information about the Bothewells or Andre himself, Cecile simply observed the passing countryside. They passed no houses and no other cars during the journey. A few furtive glimpses at Andre showed her very little besides a well-proportioned man in black gloves, fitted leather jacket, rather tight pants and high, well-polished leather boots. She found herself wondering what her uniform would be like.
As they came to the crest of a hill, Cecile caught sight of an iron gate set into a tall stone wall. The gate was unlocked, and then re-locked by Andre before they proceeded along a tree-lined driveway for nearly a mile.
After parking the car in the enormous garage, which looked as if it also housed household staff, probably Andre, Cecile was led through the back door of a much larger main building, into a kitchen.“Your room is here, off the kitchen.” Andre motioned to a small room with an adjoining bathroom. If you wish to clean up and change into something more formal, I will introduce you to Madame.”
“But I haven’t any other clothes!” Cecile blurted out. Immediately she felt ridiculous. This was a wealthy household with every kitchen convenience, apparent at a glance, right down to a separate bathroom for a maid, and she was wearing a tight V-neck sweater and jeans. Andre’s lightly disguised smirk made her ears burn with embarrassment. She suddenly had the feeling that this assignment was going to require all the nerve she could summon. She squared her shoulders and said, “I’ll brush my hair and freshen my lipstick. I’ll just be a moment.”She was ushered into the study, a large, high-ceiling room with wood paneled walls on either side of a massive stone fireplace. She was so enthralled by the expensive taste displayed in the furnishing, that she barely noticed when Andre brushed against her when he left.
CHAPTER THREE
“You will address me as ‘Madame’, young lady, and what kind of clothing is this for a maid?”
“I beg your pardon, Madame, I’m afraid I had an unfortunate experience earlier today…”“Indeed.”
The full-figured mistress of the house was dress in a black, close-fitting, long-sleeved dress with a shiny black belt. Her hands were well manicured, her nails were long and crimson. On her feet were high, shiny, black pumps. Her features, exaggerated by heavy makeup, displayed fierce displeasure.“You are not my idea of a model maid. Can you learn quickly?”
“Oh yes,” Cecile tried to look enthusiastic.“Yes, what?” the dark eyes flashed again.
“I mean, yes, Madame.” Cecile said, in a somewhat more subdued tone.“You’ll have to learn more quickly than that, won’t you?”
“Yes, Madame.”“Yes, well, since you're all we’ve got, you'll have to do. My husband is bringing some business associates back from the city for a few days. They’ll be arriving on Monday afternoon. It is essential to make a good impression on them. Therefore, I expect you to follow my orders strictly. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Madame.”“You will be paid in accordance with your service and reprimanded for failures or indiscretions.”
“I intend to serve you to the best of my ability Madame, and have…”“Be silent, girl, until asked to speak.” Madam Bothewell glared at Cecile. “I can see that your training has been lacking in certain respects. So, let’s begin with basics, shall we? Come with me.”
Cecile followed Madame Bothewell out into the richly carpeted hallway and upstairs into a room with three large wardrobes, a three-way full-length mirror, a monstrous dressing table with an attached mirror and a matching chair, and several locking chests of drawers. On one side of the room was a leather-upholstered recliner couch.“Take off those unsightly rags.”
Madam Bothewell’s tone was sufficient. Cecile disrobed quickly as madam Bothewell observed, arms crossed, face dispassionate.“All of your things,” said Madame, as Cecile hesitated at removing her underwear.
“We’ll put these in a safe place until your time with us is finished.” With that Madame Bothewell indicated a drawer she had unlocked, then locked as Cecile watched her only clothes being placed out of her reach. She felt exposed and shivered slightly, although the room was warm.“Turn around, then walk over here,” said Madame Bothewell. She handed Cecile a black corselette with garters and a pair of expensive seamed hose. “Be careful with them. You will pay for any damage with more than loss of wages.”
Cecile wondered about this but felt it best to comply quietly. Also, she had never before worn a real, traditional French maid’s uniform. She concealed her excitement as well as she could, realizing by now that this displeased Madame, and attired herself as she was handed a black, lacy uplift brassiere, a short, lacy half-slip; a pair of very high black pumps; a brief, shiny dress trimmed in white lace, a miniature white satin apron; and a tiny strip of delicate lace for her hair. She stumbled in her shoes and caught at the edge of a dresser with her hand, just managing to keep herself from falling.She stood upright, using the dresser for support, and raised her eyes; Madame Bothewell was looking at her with a mixture of irritation and interest. “You’ll require some practice walking in those shoes. Hold yourself erect, young lady, and attempt to be graceful.”
Cecile stepped forward shakily, barely managing to keep her balance, acutely aware of her tight undergarments. The low neckline of the uniform showed the rounded flesh and cleavage created by the uplifting bra; the short skirt allowed a glimpse of stocking tops if she so much as bent over an inch. The front of the bodice strained over her breasts; her waist was hugged by the corseletted, while she could feel the garters stretching against her thighs as she walked.She crossed the room several times, gradually becoming accustomed to the uncertain footing her shoes provided. She concentrated on keeping her head high and took each step slowly. She was given a tray to carry and instructed to keep it level as she bent over, back straight, to place it on a low table.
After supplying her with several uniforms of similar style, all rather skimpy, Madame Bothewell sent her to bed with instructions to serve tea in the library first thing in the morning, suitably attired.CHAPTER FOUR
“You may practice walking while I have my tea and outline the day’s schedule.” Said Madame Bothewell. She wore a black satin gown, which was wrapped around her and belted so that it hugged her firm hips.
Cecile found her striking. She was a tall woman; her well-proportioned build conveyed strength. Short, carefully waved black hair framed her oval face; high cheekbones and arched, jet-black eyebrows set off a pair of flashing dark eyes which were heavily outlined and accented with dark blue eye shadow. Madame’s mouth, a generous Cupid’s-bow, lipstick to match her fingernails…“Cecile! You're not listening!” Madame Bothewell rose and pointed to an upholstered leather chair. “Place your hands on the back of that chair and don’t move!”
Cecile winced as a folded belt slapped her scantily protected derriere.“I promised that you would receive reprimands for not following orders. A maid who does not listen is of no use to me. Turn around.”
Turning, Cecile noticed the strength of Madame’s hand as it gripped the belt and in her face a flush of color which gave Madame’s beauty a fierce quality. Cecile’s fascination with Madame’s appearance overrode her surprise at her punishment.“I am an exacting mistress. I require particular qualities in a maid. The cardinal quality is obedience. If you obey orders carefully and perform services required well, you will be amply rewarded. Disobedience and carelessness will be suitably penalized. Do you feel equal to this assignment, young lady, or are you prepared to admit failure now and waste no more time?”
In addition to really having no choice, Cecile’s pride, fascination, and curiosity urged her resolve.“I will do my very best to please you, Madame. Pardon my inattention.”
Madame Bothewell’s hand relaxed slightly.“Well, that’s better. Now, continue walking while I finish my tea. We have several important tasks to complete today. I shall require your help dressing. Then we’ll go into town to pick up some parcels.
“In this household, as you have probably noticed, Cecile, appearances are extremely important. I wish you to appear in uniform at all times and be graceful. Your bearing must be feminine. While you are here I will supply your wardrobe. Dressed properly, you will be the most attractive maid our guests will have seen. Do you think you can bear yourself correctly?”“Yes, Madame.”
“Good. Take this tray back to the kitchen and then come to my dressing room.”Cecile felt Madame Bothewell’s gaze at her back as she left the room. She felt a mixture of awe and curiosity as well as a touch of apprehension after this episode in the library. However, if she were careful, she could learn a few things that may be useful in the future and also come away with a tidy sum to put in her bank account.
What Cecile was not quite willing to admit to herself was that she was intrigued by Madame Bothewell’s beauty and haughtiness. Never before had she encountered a mistress who demanded, and commanded, compliance with requests which in any other household would have seemed strange. Yet somehow, the Bothewell Mansion gave the impression that it belonged to another era, where customs were different.CHAPTER FIVE
“Come in, Cecile.
She pushed open the door and saw Madame reflected in the dressing table mirror. She was stunned by the smoothness of Madame’s back and the firmness of the large breasts with erect, maroon-colored nipples. Cecile blushed and hesitated.“Close the door, Cecile, and come here. Take this key and open the top drawer of that chest. I wish to try on my new corset.”
Cecile lifted from the drawer the only garment it contained and held it while Madame rose from her place at the dressing table and stood with her arms out from her sides. It was several minutes before Madame turned to look in the full-length mirror at herself. The corset was constructed of fine black leather. Laces pulled the edges of the back pieces together so that, from just below the shoulder blades to the tailbone a narrow strip of skin showed under the lacing. A V-shaped slit in the front also fastened with laces which were pulled tightly to cause supports to lift Madame’s breasts so that they swelled upwards, the nipples jutting over the edge of the stiff, half moon cups. Two side sections of lacing were pulled to cinch Madame’s waist. Six curved, V-shaped pieces extended downwards from the hip line (one in front of each thigh, one in back, one to the side) to which garters were attached.Cecile assisted Madame into several other items of clothing until the complete outfit included black kid gloves hugging her arms almost to the shoulder, dark seamed stockings and black leather boots with pointed toes, five-inch spike heels and laces which began at the instep and ran up the inside of each boot to the top, just above the knee.
As Madame Bothewell viewed herself in the full-length mirror, she caught Cecile’s wide-eyed gaze and almost smiled.“What do you think of my exclusive clothes, Cecile?”
“V-very striking, Madame, most striking.”Cecile could think of nothing else to say. She was stunned by the graceful yet fierce vision before her.
“Yes, I think I’m satisfied as well. Help me out of my outfit and we’ll dress to go shopping.”Madame’s shopping clothes began with a one-piece, white spandex undergarment, which when the zippers at the side seams were done up, compressed Madame’s waist, contained her breasts in pointed cups, and stretched over her hips to create a smoothly rounded silhouette. Her sheer, seamed stockings were dark brown this time, the square at the ankle showing over the heel of her black patent leather four and a half inch pumps. A full slip of shimmering white satin with lace trim clung closely to her figure. A filmy long-sleeved blouse with delicate lace at each wrist and around the high, internally boned collar, was fitted carefully to her body. A navy, close cut skirt with a side-slit reaching above the knee, was matched with a tailored double-breasted jacket which buttoned tightly around the waist, flaring down over Madame’s full hips.
“We’ll go and get dressed, shall we? Follow me, Cecile.”They were in last night’s dressing room. Cecile was instructed to unlock several drawers and wardrobes, until an array of garments was piled on the leather-upholstered recliner. She removed her maid’s uniform completely and dressed as instructed. The first article she put on was constructed entirely of thick leather straps. To a strip one and one half inches wide, which passed between her legs beginning between her breasts and ending just below her shoulder blades, were attached several other pieces, two of them were fastened, encircled her waist snugly; two more pieces passed below her breasts, pushing them upwards, when buckled in place at the back; two additional pieces rose from between her breasts, running over her shoulders and attaching to the main strap, creating an irremovable harness, once Madame had turned a tiny key in three places in the back, where straps passed through ingenious little brass locking guides.
At each juncture of two or more straps were sewn little ‘D’ rings, their purpose as yet unknown to Cecile. Over this, she wore a smooth white cotton garter belt, and dark seamed stockings, like those she had persuaded up Madame’s strong legs. She continued to dress in a white cotton lace slip, a forest green dress with a wide glossy-black leather belt, and a full white wool roll-neck sweater. She pushed her silk-clad feet back into the shiny black high-heels she had come to wear with grace. A princess-line black leather coat with several ‘D’ rings and zipper attachments in various places were worn on top of the outfit. Finally, a pair of soft black leather gloves were donned; a sliding lock on the inside of each wrist was fastened with yet another of Madame’s keys and then neatly hidden inside each coat sleeve. The crucial keys were then placed in the top drawer of the dressing table, the drawer itself then being locked with a key which Madame Bothewell took to her dressing room, after sending Cecile downstairs to wait in the entry hall.Outside, Andre opened the back door of the dark green Daimler limousine, assisting Madame in. when she was seated he did the same for Cecile, only this time placing a gloved hand on her tightly clad behind and pressed with his index finger. Her eyes and mouth sprang wide open, and she turned to see him straighten, that same half-smirk disappearing from his face.
“How d…”“CECILE! Get in immediately.” Madam’s stern voice cried, as she gazed at Cecile.”
“But I was…”“Silence will be observed, Cecile, until you are required to speak. I will not tolerate having to repeat myself.”
Madame reached into her hand bag, withdrawing a large white scarf and a smaller handkerchief. “Put this in that noisy mouth.”Cecile flushed crimson, glancing furtively into the rear-view mirror to see Andre’s eyes on her. She wadded up the handkerchief and carefully pushed it into her mouth. It was larger than it looked, and when in place forced her mouth wide open and pushed her tongue firmly to the floor of her mouth. Madame produced a letter from her purse and removed the contents from the envelope folded the letter in half and pushed it behind Cecile’s teeth. Taking and folding the envelope, she placed it over Cecile’s bulging mouth, and wrapped the scarf twice around the maid’s face, knotting it tightly behind her neck. Cecile sat quietly erect beside her stern mistress for the remainder of the journey, hoping that no one would see her. As they neared the town, Madame removed the scarf and the handkerchief, much to Cecile’s relief.
Stops were made at several shops, where Cecile picked up prearranged orders for the Bothewell Mansion and placed them in the trunk which was opened for her by Andre. Each time she felt his touch and glared at him, not daring to speak in case Madame should hear. Once she fancied he looked slightly hurt and, softening her glare, turned away puzzled.“My husband has sent a couple of packages to the station. We’ll go there now and then return home.”
Cecile was sent into the station to pick up the packages, which turned out to be a heavy, medium-sized suitcase and a hat box. She carried them back to the car, stumbling once on the stairs in her high heels and drawing the interested attention of a passer-by as her skirt rode up her thighs revealing the tops of her seamed silk stockings. She adjusted her skirt, declining the stranger’s offer of assistance, and continued with the cases back to the waiting limousine.As she set them inside the trunk, she felt the familiar pressure on her rear and turning quickly she caught Andre’s hand. She froze; on the inside of his wrist she could feel the contours of a tiny lock identical to the ones she was wearing. Releasing her grip, she studied his eyes, but they remained inscrutable, telling her nothing. She hurried to get into the car again, not eager to incur madame’s wrath and sat silently while her mistress talked of the guests who were expected. Business contacts of her husband, from Japan, on an international buying trip for a consortium of firms. Cecile heard little, her mind was elsewhere…
At the front door of the Mansion, Madame instructed Cecile to deposit the parcels in the kitchen and bring the cases up to her dressing room, as quickly as possible. Andre stopped the limousine at the kitchen door and watched while Cecile carried in the first parcels.“You might help me Andre instead of just staring,” snapped Cecile, returning for another armload.
“Yes, of course, Miss.” He picked up a large box of groceries and followed Cecile into the kitchen.“Where would you like these Miss?”
“Please bring them into the pantry, Andre; here, just put them on the floor and I’ll put them away later.”Crouching, Andre gently took hold of Cecile’s foot and began to kiss it.
“For Heaven’s sake, Andre, what on Earth do you think you’re doing?“You have such beautiful legs and feet, Miss. I adore them.”
“Let go of me, Andre, please, Madame is waiting for me.”He continued to stroke and squeeze her calf, his leather glove whispering intimately against the taut silk hugging her lovely legs.
“Please Miss, I see a lovely woman so seldom, Madame has hardly used the Mansion all this year, and ignores me almost completely when she has a maid to use…”He rose suddenly, regaining his composure. “I beg your pardon, Miss, please don’t mention this to Madame.
“No… er… no, of course not,” replied Cecile, nonplussed at this latest occurrence in what was becoming a long line of unlikely and extraordinary happenings.“Can I help you with anything else?” he asked anxiously.
“Oh… No… Thank you, Andre. I really must deliver Madame’s cases before she comes looking for me. She seems to get so angry so easily.”Cecile knocked on the dressing room door and entered with the cases.
“Close and lock the door behind you, Cecile, and bring me the key.”Cecile did as she was told and handing Madame the hey once again found herself admiring the womanly figure of Madame Bothewell as she removed her top clothing. Sitting at her dressing table in her shiny satin slip, she eyed Cecile in the large mirror.
“You took an inordinate length of time to unload the car, considering that Andre was there to help you. Why was that?“He… I… the parcels were heavy, Madame,” she offered lamely, visualizing some impending outburst of anger.
“I see,” said Madame flatly. “Shall we see what is in the suitcase? Put it there, on the couch.”Madame took a key from the top drawer of the dressing table, she seemed to have any number of these, and unlocked the suitcase, taking out a dress of soft stretchy fabric. Cecile helped Madame out of her slip, and into the dress; it was cut low in front and back, fitting snugly over the breasts and hips, emphasizing her powerful thighs, and tapering tightly in toward the knees. It stretched as she stepped over to survey the effect in the mirror. Belted tightly at the waist, it was like a second skin. Each sleeve ended not in a wrist, but with an attached glove like an enclosure for each hand. This had the effect of pulling the fabric more tightly against Madame’s breasts and back whenever she moved her arms. The shiny fabric caught the light from the chandelier so that as Madame moved parts of her body shone and gleamed in highlight; a straining breast, a curving hip, a sweeping thigh, a powerful shoulder. Cecile was stunned by the obvious sensuality of the effect.
Madame snapped the case shut.“Before we investigate the contents further, we’ll have you practice walking gracefully while carrying these cases. You seemed sadly lacking in that area this morning. I expect poise in a maid. Take off that coat and come here.”
Madame then undid a narrow zipper in the leather handle of each of the cases, pulled out a tightly rolled fine black leather glove, itself a part of each handle, and made Cecile place her hands so that her mistress could help her slip them on. The gloves, after much tugging and stretching, reached right up to Cecile’s bound elbows and even without the familiar sliding lock on each wrist which fastened much more tightly than before, would have been impossible to remove without assistance.
The restrictive gloves were further tightened by Madame, by back laces running the length of Cecile’s forearms, compressing her muscles in a firmly restrictive leather tube. Finally, from the sliding lock on each wrist, another strap was led under her dress and attached to the ‘D’ ring between her legs.
Cecile’s arms were weighted down by the cases but pulled forward beside her hips by the straps. She could, with considerable effort, move her hands back and forth about an inch, but soon even this much freedom was denied her as Madame re-tightened the back lacing of the gloves, tying them together at the elbows.“That should keep your shoulders back, young lady. Now we want your head held high, as well.” At that, Madame produced a stiff circlet of leather with lacing at the back and corset-fasteners at the front. After fitting it around Cecile’s neck, beneath her high, rolled collar, she proceeded to tighten the lacing until the pressure caused Cecile’s face to turn red. The lacing was then loosened very slightly, and securely tied off. Cecile felt like a dress-shop mannequin, rigid and taut, in her lacing and straps, her head held immobile, chin up. She could no longer see the floor; nonetheless she felt very feminine, very attractive.
“Walk across the room Cecile.”Cecile took a few steps and almost fell. She leaned on the strong arm around her waist.
“Still not very graceful, are you, my dear?”“No Madame, pardon me, but how can I walk…”
“Silence does not come easily to you, does it? We’ll remedy that.”Madame pushed into Cecile’s mouth a soft piece of sponge rubber. “Keep that out of sight, my girl, and I won’t have to listen to any more of your idle comments. Now, your steps are too large.”
Around Cecile’s ankles Madame Bothewell fastened thin leather cuffs which were connected by a ten-inch long chain. She then raised Cecile’s skirt at the back and snapped a dog leash onto the D-ring between Cecile’s legs.“Walk forward now.”
Cecile proceeded across the room as carefully as she could, leaning slightly on the leash for support and placing her feet with care.She could take only very short stops in order to walk with stability and she was forced to hold her head very high and maintain an upright posture. Although movement was slow, it was possible, a challenge to Cecile. She was rather proud of herself. As the cases pulled down slightly so that
Madame walked her down the hallway and around a study which overlooked a circular driveway at the front of the house. Eventually, Madame sensed that Cecile was tiring and they returned to the dressing room.
Madam removed Cecile’s restraints carefully, almost solemnly, in order from her feet up, the ankle cuffs first. Cecile experienced a very gradual sense of being liberated. The mouth restraint was the last to be removed. She felt quite calm, although somewhat heady. Everything was neatly stored and locked away before Madame took Cecile to the small dressing room and watched as Cecile slipped out of her green dress and hung it up. Madame’s expression remained stern as she unlocked Cecile’s harness but her instructions to place it in its drawer were delivered in a tone that conveyed little. Cecile did not attempt to guess madame’s thoughts; she was learning to follow orders without judging them. She was also learning to concentrate on grace of movement and kept this in mind as she redressed herself in her maid’s uniform, which at this point felt quite normal to her.She waited quietly while Madame gave her brief instructions concerning lunch and light household duties to be carried out during the early afternoon. As she left the room, she was conscious once again of Madame’s intense gaze on her, it no longer made her feel uncomfortable.
She went downstairs to perform the routine task of preparing lunch.