Written by: Jenne

The following morning, Estelle awoke early to the unfamiliar quiet of the house. As she opened her eyes slowly and adjusted to the sights that surrounded her, she also began to recall the events of the night before. She shuddered at the thought. Her sleep had been less than restful, her dreams full of visions.

She rose from the bed and began to dress. Having no idea what the time was, she pondered as to what she should do next. Should she wait for someone to come and get her or should she try to find her way to the kitchen? After a few minutes her decision was made for her. A knock on the door, made her jump. It opened and a young girl entered the room.

"Cook said I was to fetch you," she announced as she entered the room.

"Oh, thank you," Estelle replied.

"Follow me then if you're ready," the girl commanded. Estelle felt that she had little choice but to obey. Not that she had any wish not to. Being alone in this strange house was not a prospect that she relished.

She followed where the young girl led. After a short walk, Estelle once again found herself in the kitchen. Cook beckoned them to enter.On the pine table was a plate of breakfast and a mug of tea waiting for each of them. Estelle sat and began to eat.

"Did you sleep well, child?" Cook asked Estelle.

"Yes, thank you Cook," Estelle lied. "Good, the Master wishes to see you later."

Estelle froze at the mention of the Master. The breakfast was good and she had almost forgotten the previous nights events. She trembled at the very thought of meeting him again. He had been gentle and his actions had in no way been menacing, but Estelle just had not come to terms with the events. She still had many unanswered questions running through her mind.

"I forgot to introduce you to Daisy," the Cook said, breaking into Estelle's review of what had happened after her robe had hit the floor of the Master's bedchamber. "What was I thinking of? Daisy is a good girl. Been her for awhile now, ain't you?"

"Yes, Cook," Daisy said with a barely audible sigh in her voice. Estelle studied her as she ate. She was a petite figure. Her red hair was tucked into her cap with just a few strands escaping, adding to her girlish looks. Her complexion was fair and the freckles that generously dotted her face furthered the look of freshness. Daisy turned and smiled at Estelle. The twinkle in her eyes was barely visible, but it was there.

Estelle finished her meal and wondered what awaited her now. Daisy cleared the plate from in front of her.

"Daisy take Estelle to the Master!" Cook directed. "He is in the main sitting room" Again Estelle's heart jumped, the blood began to flow faster round her body, and the heat rose to her head. She realised that she was scared once more. What was the Master going to do to her today? She had never envisaged that any man would produce such diverse feelings within her being. These feelings were so alien that they frightened her more than the thought of meeting the Master again.

Cook noticed the change in her body language. "Try not to worry,child, I told you no harm will come of you here." Cook said trying to calm Estelle's fears. To some extent it worked. Estelle did feel better as she left the sanctuary of the kitchen.

"How long have you been here?" Estelle asked Daisy once they were back in the hallway.

"About a year, I think," Daisy replied. "Seems like longer sometimes.It's not too bad here, though my last job was just awful." Estelle waited for the girl to explain, but she suddenly stopped and turned to whisper. "Did the Master treat you well last night?"

Estelle had to strain to hear the question. "Yes," she replied,matching the low tone. "At least I think so. How do you . . . uh,know if . . . ." The girl cut off her stammering with a gentle touch on the upper arm and a soft look.

"Don't worry, he must be pleased or he would not summon you today."

Her words made Estelle wonder if the Master always did such things to his servants. It was pretty clear that her purpose, part of it at least, was his entertainment and that more of the same was in store for her. What she didn't know was how typical all this was in this house. Had the Master's mouth found Daisy's private place as well? Was Daisy still serving their Master in that way? Had there been others? Were there others still?

Her chance to ask Daisy any of these questions ended when they the girl stopped before a heavy door. As Daisy knocked, Estelle's fears poured back into her. Her heart again pounded, she could hear the blood pulse through her head, and perspiration gathered on her forehead,despite the coldness of the passage. At the response from within,Daisy opened the door and smiled as she held it for Estelle to enter. Estelle smiled nervously back and stepped inside. The door closed behind her, with Daisy on the other side. Again she was alone with the Master.

She found herself in the same room where the Master had first received her. No bed here. The Master beckoned her to sit in a large chair opposite him. Both chairs were turned slightly to catch the warmth of the fire in the huge fireplace that dominated the room. The absence o f a bed, the conversational posture of the chairs, the fact that she hadn't been bathed and dressed--barely dressed--before being brought to him all eased her fears somewhat. Still, as she sat, she wondered what fate awaited her today, or tonight, at the hands of this man. The thought both frightened her and excited her at the same time.

They sat in silence for what seemed to Estelle an eternity. She dared not speak, as this would have been rude, but his stare made her uncomfortable. She tried to avoid his gaze, but it was not an easy task. She wanted desperately to look at this man. He had taken something from her last evening and she wanted to see him. She steeled herself and took her eyes from the floor. She looked at him. His eyes were blue and they seemed to penetrate her body as he looked at her.

The silence and his constant gaze stretched her nerves to breaking point. She again detected the warmth that radiated from his smile as she meet his gaze with her own. The lines that were in his face appeared darker than she remembered.