Story: Amy Campbell.

by Maria Donner


1 After the wedding


Louise and Gerald were now married - with the eager consent of all involved parents.

He was almost a decade her senior, but no-one had commented.

He was in his late twenties, she was twenty-one.

She was the daughter of a baron, and Gerald - as an only child - expected to inherit the title of Earl of Greystock and the mansion. That was in the future, however. His parents were still very much alive.

He got some money from his parents' estate, but their main income was his salary. He worked in a shipping transport company.

The first month they stayed with his parents; the mansion had plenty of rooms. And she had no problems with her parents-in-law. 

During that month they had been looking for something suitable. They had visited several smaller houses open for rent. They had only been tempted once. The only thing standing in the way was that his commuting would be quite long - consequently wearing. 

Then their luck turned. The present house they were looking at was - unfortunately - somewhat small by their standards.

"What do you think, Louise?"

"Hm. As far as your daily trip to London - no problem. The rent is not a problem either. As for help - a cook, a housekeeper, two maids. We should have no problems, if we could get a local cook, that is. We have only three rooms for the staff in the west end of the house."

The real estate agent had heard her remark. "I may know someone. Mrs. Hayden is looking for a suitable job. She's in her fifties and a widow. She lives close to here."



Gerald looked at Louise. She nodded.

He turned to the agent. "Then the only problem will be the date. Couldn't we negotiate the possession date?"

The agent shook his head. "Sorry. Out of the question. The owners are an elderly couple, and the opening at the old peoples' home is not available until the end of those five months. So sorry."

"So are we. Do you have any suggestions?"

"Well - we have nothing in this category. That's definite." He considered . "We do have a house close by. It's not at all suitable as a permanent housing for your lordships. But you just might find it acceptable for such a short time." 

Gerald wanted to hear Louise's opinion.

"Well. A look will not affect us negatively." 

They drove to the house.

"This?" Gerald and the agent could both hear her contempt.

The agent almost had to drag her through the house.

"To some it might seem fine." She wrinkled her nose. "But to us?"

The agent was anxious to close the deal, but he did not want to be too pushy. He looked at Gerald. Gerald caught his glance.

"Louise. We have to choose. We have three options. We could stay with my parents for those five months. We could rent this - well - house. Or we could keep on looking. In that case - you'd have to do all the work, because I have used up all the goodwill of my employers."

"Aren't they your friends?"

He grinned. "Oh, yes." He caressed her face. "Look, darling. When I become an earl, I'll have to resign my job, because the estate will be a challenge. But until then I'll have to work." 

She was not thrilled. She addressed the agent. "Could you arrange to have somebody come and clean the house?"

The agent considered - and calculated. "One cleaning woman - maybe two half days per week?"

Louise thought about it. "That should do. Can you get one?"

The agent said that he would ask the cook. "She might be willing to do the extra work. I think that she'll accept. She has had no work for quite some time."

Louise looked at Gerald. "If she agrees - I think it would be best. What do you think?"

Gerald smiled at her. "This area is perfect for me. I hope that you'll be satisfied - as to those five months. What about this house? Should we accept to rent it for five months?"

Louise considered. "Could we go and visit this woman - was it Mrs. Hayden?"

The agent beamed. "Yes to both your questions. Let's go." 

Mrs. Hayden was rather plumb. Louise thought that she did not wear her years well. It was of no importance, however. What was important that she and Gerald had the required help.

The agent made the introductions. "This couple is Lord and Lady Greystock. They are looking for one person who'd be willing to clean a rented house. We have estimated the work at two half days per week. Other than that they'd like a cook who could live at home."

He went on to tell her about the house.

"Oh! I know that house. Walking distance. What kind of cooking would you require?" 

Louise and Gerald had not even discussed that before.

Louise said: "My husband is away during the day. So my suggestion is that you come around at 1 p.m. - prepare a light lunch for me. Then you start preparing the supper. My husband is normally back at 5 p.m. We'll manage serving the supper ourselves."

"All days of the week?"

Louise and Gerald looked at each other. He shook his head. "I think that we'll visit my parents during your day off. Which day would suit you best?"

"Definitely Sunday."

After some discussions and negotiations they agreed. Also on the time when they would move into the bigger house.



2 Settling in



The move was a strain, but fortunately the house was furnished.

So clothes and books were the worst.

Louise had to get acquainted with living in such a small house.

In the beginning she used the mornings to go through the house and small garden.

When Mrs. Hayden was around, she mostly did some reading.

Louise had never tried to cook seriously.

But after some time Gerald praised her traditional English breakfast.

They ate in bed and talked about this and that. 

One day she found a carpet beater.

What's that doing here?

 She was really surprised. The house had very few carpets - and what was it doing in the living-room, anyway? It should be with the brooms and other cleaning utensils.

She did not tell Gerald. She almost forgot. 

She decided to clear a bit of the lawn and grow a few vegetables. The five months would just about be enough to grow something. With fondness she remembered the kitchen garden and glasshouse in her parents' estate. She just loved to have fresh vegetables, for example parsley and carrots. What they could buy in shops could never compare. 

One evening she showed Gerald the young shoots.

"Have you done all that by yourself?"

"Sure. When we move to the big house, we should have a big kitchen garden. I find it very satisfying to grow our own vegetables."

"Sounds like a good idea." He paused. "Then we'll need a gardener. By the way - what are you wearing? I mean - gardening is a dirty business."

She laughed. "I have a very old dress. I never use it for anything else."

"I certainly hope not." They laughed. 

Inside she dug out the dress and held it up. "This is the dress I was talking about. See - it is very old and fit only for gardening."

He looked closely at it. "Maybe a bit too classy for such work. But - all in all..." His sentence was left unfinished. Because he had spotted the carpet beater.

"What's that thing doing here?"

"The carpet beater? You are right. That had me puzzled as well. I noticed it a week ago, and when I saw it, I found it strange, because the house has very few carpets. And it should be in a broom closet."

"But you decided to let it stay?"

"We have only rented the house - and for a short period. So why bother moving it?" 

After the supper Gerald mentioned the carpet cleaner again. "Maybe the owners are into some kinky stuff."

"What do you mean?"

"Maybe he liked to beat her. Or vice versa."

"What are you talking about?"

He looked at her. "Don't you know anything about bondage and such stuff?"

She looked confused. "Are you talking about the book - of human bondage?"

"Oh!" Then he went on to tell her of some of the kinky stuff - bondage, sadism and masochism, humiliation.

"Do people really need that to ..." She ran dry. "Anyway - how do you know all about that?"

He grinned. "School. I did not seek such knowledge, but we had a lot of different pupils. So we heard a lot of stories. Some were disgusting. Some were - just weird. I know only a very limited part of all that." 

The morning after Louise looked at the carpet beater.

How on Earth could people do such things?

She tried to imagine herself beating Gerald. She laughed out loud. No way!

Would she like Gerald to beat her?

She shuddered.

She picked up the carpet beater.

She tried to hit her own bottom with it - three times.

It was awkward, but she managed. 

If Gerald really did it, it would be more painful.

What if he forced her to lie across a table and really beat her bottom?

Again she shuddered.



3 Experimenting



"I have been thinking about what you said the other day, Gerald. I find it quite embarrassing to ask this of you. Could we try out the carpet beater?"

"What? Do you want me to beat you?"

"Well. Not really. I just want to know if it seems to turn me on."

"Well." He looked closely at her. "As I said the other day - I know very little. And all in all - well - all this kinky stuff doesn't appeal to me. But if you just want to experiment - then why not?" He got up and fetched the instrument. 

At first he hit her gently. She could hardly feel the strokes.

"Harder, Gerald."

He complied, and soon she was whimpering. "Stop, Gerald!"

He stopped at once.

"So - what's the verdict?"

"It certainly turns me on. Let's get to bed."

She was a tigress in bed, and he was pleasantly surprised. 

After a good time, he said: "It really seems to get you going. Maybe we should try it again?"

"Oh, yes. What about every Wednesday?"

"OK to me, but you know, Louise. It does not appeal to me. But - to accommodate you..." He considered. "So every Wednesday you send Mrs. Hayden home early?"

"That would suit me. There's just one issue, Gerald."

"I'm listening."

"When I told you to stop, you did it at once. I found it disappointing. You obeyed me. It should be the other way around."

He thought about it. "So you want me to be the master? You want to be punished according to my whims?"

"Oh, yes."

"Then we'll have to agree as to a safe word."

"Safe word?"

"Some word that cancels the whole situation. Some word that we rarely use."

"I see. What about garden?"

"Garden it is." 

Wednesdays turned out to be rewarding for both of them.

He got to be clever with the carpet beater.

And he got to be able to see the signs that she'd had enough.

So she never used the safe word. 

After a couple of weeks - on a Sunday when they were not visiting his parents - he presented her with a parcel.

"What's this, Gerald? It's not my birthday."

"Open it and see for yourself. It's not our normal kind of gifts."

She tore off the wrapping and opened the cover. "A dress?" She took it out. "It's not silk - more like cotton." She held it up. "It looks like a maid's uniform."

"That's exactly what it is. Every Wednesday I want you to receive me in that outfit - and be my maid."

"Oh! And after that you'd punish your lazy maid? You are very inventive." 

"I wouldn't say that. As we discussed some time ago - we are experimenting. I just want to see what pleases you."

"You are a naughty boy." She fingered her new dress. "Could I try it on?"

"Sure. Go ahead. Don't forget the apron and the cap."

She had not noticed the other items in the parcel. She picked all up and headed for the bedroom. 

After a short time she came out again - dressed as a proper maid.

"At your service, sir." She curtsied - and smiled.

"Do you like it?"

"Oh, yes." She smiled again and then added: "Master."

She came over to him and kissed him. "Your idea seems to turn me on. Could we take advantage of the situation?"

He laughed. "It seems that you are turned on easily." He picked her up and carried her to the bedroom, kissing her all the time.

"Do you want me to use the carpet beater?"

"No, darling." She held him in a fierce grip. He seemed to understand her perfectly. She would not have minded to have a few strokes as well, but that would have been overkill. She was excited. She wanted him.

The love making was just as good as when she had been spanked. She kissed him and said: "Your idea was a good one." Then she added: "Master."

They laughed.



4 Putting records straight



The next morning she was preparing their breakfast as usual.

She thought about the outfit in her closet.

Why not use it now?

She slipped into their bedroom while the bacon simmered.

She dressed in the kitchen.

When all was finished, she carried the treys into the bedroom.

"Breakfast is served, master."

He awoke.

She placed the treys on the bed as usual.

"Looking good. By the way, girl. What's your name?"

"Louise." She was surprised at his outburst.

"No. Louise is the name of my wife. You are my maid. So - your name?"

"I don't know." She was confused.

He looked at her. "Then pick one."

She mentioned the first name that popped into her mind. "Amy."

"Good. Now, Amy! Carry the second trey into the kitchen and eat your breakfast there.

She was still confused. But she did what she was told.

She found it strange to eat by herself in the kitchen. 

Gerald prepared to leave soon after.

"Look, Amy. Whenever you are wearing that outfit, you are my maid. When I have left, I want you to embroider your name on the dress. Is that understood, GIRL?"

The word 'girl' seemed to hit her in a tender spot. She curtsied. "Yes, master."

With regret she saw him leaving. She would have liked him to take her to bed like the day before. She was still in the door when he was out of sight.

She shuddered. This was getting too real. No doubt about it - she wanted it. Bur she told herself then and there that she would never let anyone but Gerald see her like this. 

Inside she slipped into her 'gardening' dress and hung up her maid dress. She would like to go outside and work a bit.

Is it necessary?

She decided it was not. Saturday she had weeded every lot, so there was no reason.

Then what? She noticed her closet. Gerald had ordered her to embroider the dress with her name.

She took out the maid uniform and found the required tools and threads.

What kinds of letters? How big should they be? White letters on black? 

It took some time, but when she finished, she was a little excited.

She put on the dress and went to the mirror.

"Oh, the apron!"

She put on the apron and the cap.

She was satisfied with the view. Her 'name' was easily read, and she looked like a proper maid.

"Roll on, Wednesday."

Maybe he would also want her to serve him in the mornings like this morning?

She would have to ask him. 

She sat in her uniform and wondered.

She was a maid.

And maids should work, right?

She looked at the clock. Already eleven? Mrs. Hayden would arrive in a little more than one hour. She thought about getting hold of an alarm clock that she could carry in her uniform. The clock should sound the alarm at twelve, so she would have plenty of time to change.

On the other hand - what about the mailman? Any unanticipated strangers?

No! She would change as soon as Gerald left in the morning - if he wanted her serving him. And only put on the dress Wednesdays, when she could see him arriving.

Without guests.

There was no reason to risk anything. 

Tuesday morning she decided not to put on the dress.

Gerald commented on it. "You are not properly dressed, Amy!"

She grinned. "Are you getting used to have your breakfast served by your maid?"

"Well. You started it. Don't you want it to continue?"

She considered. "Not really, Gerald. It excites me to wear that dress. It excites me to be your maid, and the spanking as well." She looked for the words. It was important that she expressed her wishes precisely. "But if it excites me, I want you to be here to take me to bed."

"I see." He laughed. "But anyway, I have placed two more maid outfits in your closet."

"What? Why would I need three sets?"

"They must be washed once in a while. Don't they?"

"Sure. But if I only wear it Wednesdays, one should be sufficient. If I wash it Thursday morning, it should be dry in one or two days."

"I had the impression that you wanted to serve me breakfast every morning."

She looked at him. "Do you want me to?"

"Not if it bothers you. And I acknowledge your argument about unfulfilled excitement."

"Can you return the dresses?"

"I could. But the money isn't worth the hassle." 

After Gerald had left, she went to her closet.

Three complete uniforms were hanging side by side.

Waste.

But - well. If he did not want to return the dresses, she just might embroider the other two uniforms.

She put on the uniform with her 'name' - but without the apron - it would just get in the way. She thought about putting on the cap. Well why not? She started the embroidering.

When she had finished she hung up the dresses and went into the garden to look for something to do. 

After half an hour she realised that she was still wearing her maid dress and not the gardening one. She had even been wearing the cap.

She said some very unladylike words.

She hurried inside and changed.

That was too close for comfort.

Fortunately no-one had noticed.

At least she hoped so. 

When Gerald returned in the evening, she did not mention the close call.

He said that he had reconsidered about returning the uniforms.

"Oh. Now I have embroidered the name of our maid."

He laughed and kissed her. "No problem. You have made the decision. By the way - Amy - I would like to have my Wednesday breakfast served in bed by that maid."

"You are naughty. I'll ask her." 

As requested Louise - or rather Amy - served the Wednesday breakfast.

She was looking forward to the time when Gerald would return.

She was excited. But she did not let on. 

When he had left, she admired her reflection in the mirror.

I look perfect. I would like to wear this all day - or at least until he takes me to bed. 

Of course she did not.

She would not risk anything.

But when Mrs. Hayden had left, she put the dress on again.

She set their usual table and made certain that all was perfect.

After everything was prepared, she kept looking out the window - waiting impatiently for him. 

She received him with a curtsy and accepted his briefcase, coat and hat.

"Everything ready?"

"Yes, master." 

He went into the dining room.

"What on Earth is this? Am I expecting visitors?"

"No, master."

"Then why is the table set for two?"

At once Amy realised her mistake. Of course her master would not dine with a lowly maid.

"Sorry, master. I'll remove one set at once." 

It was a strained meal for Louise. She felt intimidated. He wanted her to be there and wait on him. She could not even go to the kitchen and have her part of the food.

Finally he had finished. He took the final glass of wine and headed for the room that they used for a combined library and living room. "That was a very nice meal, Amy. You may clear the table."

She curtsied. "Yes, master."

She started to remove the remains. They were probably cold by now.

Oh well. I should have realised that there would be disadvantages. 

She had hardly eaten half of her part of the meal when Gerald entered.

"Amy! Why are you not doing the dishes?"

She looked at him, surprised. Why could she not have her food in peace?

"Follow me!"

He turned and left the kitchen.

She got up and followed him. 

She expected to be heaped with abuse, and she was right.

He kept at her for a long time.

She almost lost her composure. She almost felt like a maid, bawled out by her employer.

"Now get over to that chair. Pull down your knickers and your dress up, You are in for a spanking."

She obeyed. 

Gerald noticed the signs that Louise had had enough, but he continued. She started crying.

She considered using the safe word, but before the pain was getting too great, he stopped.

"Now follow me."

She followed him, but he did not go to the bedroom. Instead he headed for one small room that they had not had any use for - yet.

She was surprised at the contents. Gerald must have had people to furnish the room when they had visited his parents.

"This is your room, Amy. Now take off your clothes and get into the bed." 

Their lovemaking was exceptional. Apparently the play during the meal had inspired both of them. Louise found it strange, because Gerald had stated several times that he did not appreciate this.

"Now Amy. I'll leave you. Have a good night's rest. I expect my breakfast as usual in the morning."

"I have to sleep here?"

He looked at her disdainfully. "Where else would a maid sleep?" 

The next day Amy served him.

After the breakfast she went to the door to wave goodbye. But he did not turn.

Of course! The master would not wave to the staff.

She went back to 'her' room and looked at it. Small! But it was sufficient for a maid. She smiled.

After having stood there, she went to the bedroom and pulled out her two other uniforms.

She put them in the small closet in 'her' room. It had space for several more. Should she ask Gerald for additions? But what kind of additions?

A gardening outfit! Of course. The old dress was indeed old, and as Gerald had said - a bit too classy for a maid helping in the garden.



5 Developments



Louise asked Gerald one of the following days.

"Sounds like a good idea. Tuesday next week I can have half a day off. We could go to one of the smaller towns to equip you."

"We should dress differently."

"You are right, Louise. We'll put on our oldest clothes." 

They went to a town that they normally would not visit.

A small women's shop displayed a lot of various dresses.

A thin-legged sales lady entered from behind a curtain.

"I should like to have a gardening outfit for my wife."

"Certainly. We have several dresses that would be perfect for that. 

It took several hours, but when they headed back, Louise had both the gardening dress as well as two dresses for 'daily' wear. She had been somewhat uncomfortable buying those. When would she be wearing something like that? They seemed very ordinary.

She had tried to convince Gerald that the 'common' underwear was not necessary. He had just shaken his head.

Fortunately she had made certain that the sales woman had not seen the underwear she had been wearing. Not that it would have meant much. Even if she had noticed, she would probably not have commented, anyway. Surprised maybe, but that would have been all. 

On the way back she had said: "Why the underwear? And those two dresses - when do you want me to use them?"

She did not mention the shoes and nightgowns that they had also bought. The shoes would go well with her uniforms - and she did sleep in 'her' bedroom once in a while.

"A maid like Amy must have appropriate underwear. And those two other dresses - well. You might want to go town and buy groceries."

"Dressed like that? You must be kidding."

He grinned at her. "Well. I may have lost touch in that case. But the underwear - don't you agree that it is proper for Amy?"

She was not happy about that. The underwear was not the kind that she was used to. And who would notice?

He noticed her silence. "Look, Louise. Do you want to keep playing at being a maid?"

"Yes, master."

They both noticed the word she had used.

He was a bit amused.

She was scared. Was she getting used to being a maid? No way! 

Having returned to their temporary home, he left at once for work and she went into 'her' room and hung up the new dresses and placed the nightgowns and underwear in drawers. She looked at the open drawer with distaste. Gerald was taking this too far. Or was he? She asked herself if she was getting excited by being forced to dress in that underwear. As far as she could tell - no. And that was the purpose, wasn't it?

The nightgowns were acceptable, because at night she slept. But the underwear! She would not claim that she hated it all, but she was not comfortable about putting that on. 

She looked at the gardener dress, and without really thinking about it, she embroidered 'AMY' on it. 

When Gerald returned, they had a pleasant evening.

"Are you going to sleep in your room, Louise?"

"No. Why?"

"Wouldn't it be most proper. That's where you keep your clothes."

"Look, Gerald. Are you trying to make me a fulltime maid?"

He grinned. "No, darling. But the night before - and the night after seem best."

"Best for whom?"

"Don't you like to sleep there?"

She was lost for words. His words hit her. In reality she did get excited just thinking about being banished to the maids' quarter. "OK. If that's what you want."

He did not give an inch. "It's not about my wants. You did not answer me, Louise. Don't you like to sleep there?" 

She had never lied to him. So she was in a fix. "Yes, Gerald. I do like to sleep there. But if you are thinking about moving me down there permanently, then you'd better think again."

"So you don't want to play the maid other days than Wednesday?"

"Definitely not."

"Not even Saturdays?"

"You are welcome to spank me Saturdays - but as for me dressing up - forget it."



6 Changes



In the end Louise became Amy Saturdays. She accepted to make love and sleep in her room the night after, but she refused to sleep there the night between Friday and Saturday. 
When the date for moving to the bigger house was approaching, two things happened that affected them both.

She received a letter from her parents with unpleasant news. Her father was ill. It was not life threatening - but they asked her to come home for some time.

At the same time Mrs. Hayden fell ill. She was very sorry that she could not cook for the Greystocks any more. 

Louise and Gerald discussed it.

"Look, Gerald. My parents would not force me up there unless it was necessary."

"Could you go up during the weekends? Because that way we wouldn't have to change things too much."

"Good idea, but what about Mrs. Hayden?"

"A problem, true. During the weekend, I could dine at the local club. The other days - well. We are close to moving, and I wouldn't like to employ a cook, unless she could cook for us in our new house."

"I do know how to cook. Nothing fancy. But I could do it for three weeks."

"What about cleaning the house?"

"It seems that Amy will have to work harder." She smiled, and Gerald laughed. "You really are a pearl."

"By the way - Amy will need a bigger apron for cooking."

"Or maybe three?"

They laughed. 

One week later she was doing some gardening, when she heard somebody shouting.

"Hey you. Is his lordship or Lady Greystock in?"

Louise had to think fast. When she had turned, the mailman must have seen her 'name' on her dress. He must not suspect anything. "No, sorry. Could I sign for something."

"Sorry. I must have the signature from Lord or Lady Greystock."

He left, and Louise felt cheated. This was not supposed to happen.

In the evening she did not tell Gerald. 

Her three outfits were used a lot now. When she prepared the supper, she dressed like a maid.

That meant that she had to wash a lot as well. It all amounted to a lot of work, so now and again she felt very tired.

So tired that one day she was dozing in the porch swing, she did not notice the mailman coming down the lane.

"Hello, Amy. Relaxing for a bit? I have some letters for your employers. Today you don't have to sign a receipt. Mind if I sit down?"

She was still a bit woozy after having slept. "Sure. I can't offer you anything, though."

"A kiss would be sufficient."

She looked at him and raised her hand. "Married, see?"

"Faithful? I am always unlucky."

They talked for some time, before he left. Afterwards she could not remember what had been said. 

They were supposed to move next Friday.

The Sunday before they had an opportunity to look at and discuss the details in the house they were about to rent. They went through every room and talked about its use.

Two rooms had separate doors, but were interconnected.

"This could be my study and bedroom, Louise."

"Do you want to sleep by yourself?"

"No. But once in a while my job forces me to work late, and if so - you could go to the other room, so you wouldn't be disturbed."

"I see. So you want a big bed in here? And a one-person one in my room?"

"Sounds good to me. What do you think?"

"Accepted."

The staff wing required a lot of discussion.

Louise and Gerald could see that they could not use two medium sized rooms for anything.

"Guest rooms?"

"No. We already have seen those. Six rooms should be sufficient."

"We could have a cook living in one of them."

They agreed that the two rooms might be used for staff - if necessary. 

Gerald had noticed that Louise had been tired for quite some time.

"Look, Louise. Would you like me to fix the move all by myself?"

"Why?"

"Typically you have been visiting your parents from Friday till Sunday. We'll be moving during Friday, and we'll be using Saturday and Sunday to get everything settled."

"What about staff?"

"I have already contacted an agency that supplies servants. I could contract them - providing that you agreed."

She thought it over. It was true that she had had too much work lately. "I'd appreciate it. I might even make it a long weekend."

"How long?"

"Would you mind if I stayed up there for a full week? So I'll be back Friday."

"You have helped me a lot during these latest weeks, so it's fine."

She kissed him. 

'Amy' had had a stressful week, so she relaxed when she went home.

She hoped that everything would be in place when she returned.

She was not sorry to leave the house that they had lived in for five months. It had no appeal to her. She had always been used to bigger houses.



7 Return



Fortunately Louise's father was getting better by the day, so she decided to cut the visit short.

She pecked their cheeks and started out Monday morning.

She was looking forward to see Gerald again. She had missed him. 

She arrived at their new residence at eleven p.m.

She was a bit anxious that the house might be locked at this time, but she was lucky. It was not. She went upstairs and was about to enter her bedroom. Gerald might be sleeping, and she did not want to disturb him.

Locked?

She was surprised.

She went to his door. If she had to disturb him, then so be it.

It was locked as well.

What's going on? 

She went downstairs again. Now the door to the outside was locked. So somebody must have locked it. She must find whoever it was.

She went through the house calling softly.

No answers.

Well! I'll have to rouse some of the staff. 

Still she found no-one. Not even in the west wing.

She heard someone snoring softly. She decided to let the servant sleep.

She saw that one door was slightly ajar. She opened it up fully and switched on the light. It looked like a maid's quarter. She looked into the closet.

Well! Those are my clothes. Four outfits with 'AMY' embroidered, and her two dresses for daily wear.

Then that chest of drawers should hold my nightgowns.

She was tired and wanted to sleep.

But where should she put her silk dress, her underwear, and her shoes?

The closet and chest of drawers were smaller than in their former rental, and she did not want her dress to be creased.

She had seen some small table outside, so she put on 'her' nightgown and put her daily wear on that table.

She fell asleep at once. 

She was shaken roughly in the morning.

"So you are Amy! On your feet, girl. There's work to be done."

"What? Who are you?"

"I'm the housekeeper. Now, get on with it!"

"Wait a minute. I am Lady Greystock."

The housekeeper was taken aback. "Sleeping in a maid's room? Sounds unlikely. Where are your clothes?"

"I put them on the table outside. I did not want my dress to get creased,"

"Silly girl. Those tables are used for trash. I am sure that all the trash has been gathered and put into the bin. The collector has already been here."

She stuck her head outside. "Correct. If you really put your dress there yesterday, then it's gone for good."

"But I am Lady Greystock!"

"Nonsense! Lady Greystock is supposed to come here Friday."

"I returned early. Where is my husband?"

"Are you married? You are not wearing a ring."

"When I went north, I left my ring and all jewellery. Both my and Gerald's room were locked last night, so I found this bed to sleep in."

"Lord or Sir Gerald to you, girl! Never forget that. Get dressed. Then we'll go to the butler's. He'll have to take care of you." She went outside, but Louise could still hear her. "Now, hop it!"

"Butler? We don't have a butler."

The tall woman did not respond. 

Louise had never experienced something like this. She had always been admired and pampered. Maybe a bit too much?

But she had very few options. She put on one of her maid dresses and went out.

"What? Put on an apron and your cap, girl! Must you have everything spelled out?"

She went back into her room and did what she was told. 

The housekeeper knocked on the door of one the two rooms that she and Gerald had discussed without really reaching a solution.

"Come in."

The housekeeper opened the door and addressed the man seated at a desk. "Mr. Horton! This girl claims that she's Lady Greystock."

Horton glanced at her, then back at the impressive woman. "Well, well. That sounds interesting. Especially in the light of the fact that Lady Greystock is supposed to arrive Friday. And the uniform you are wearing seems to fit you perfectly. With the name 'Amy' embroidered on it. What do you have to say about that?"

"We had role plays."

He laughed, and the housekeeper joined in.

Horton looked at the housekeeper, shook his head, and said: "I'll handle this, Miss Andrews." 

Andrews left and let him to this task that she did not envy him. The girl seemed presumptuous. She would be hard to manage.

Horton leaned back in his chair. "Do you have any proof of your identity?"

"No."

"What were you wearing when you arrived?"

"I was wearing one of my silk dresses. I placed it on the small table outside the room. Unfortunately it must have been mistaken for trash."

"Do you know anybody in this area?"

"Mrs. Hayden should recognise me."

"That would be a bit difficult. You see, she died Sunday - day before yesterday."

"Oh." 

At this time there was a knock on the door.

"Come in."

A young girl put her head inside. "Sorry, sir. The mailman is here, and he needs a receipt."

"Let him in. Thanks, Millie."

The mailman approached the desk. "I know that you the power of attorney to sign for this letter, so it's all right. I suppose that Lord and Lady Greystock are not present."

"You are right." Horton signed. "By the way - have you ever met their lordships?"

"Lord Greystock - several times. At least four times, I think. The Lady? Never." He glanced at Louise for the first time. "But isn't it Amy? So now you are working here? Oh, of course. You worked for their lordships before, so it would be natural for you to keep working for them."

Louise shook her head. This was becoming a comedy of errors. 

The mailman left with a comment that he knew the exit.

Horton looked at Louise. "So now we have confirmation of your identity. You stop this nonsense right this minute."

"But I AM Louise Greystock."

"Without any ring."

"I left it with all my jewellery. Travelling alone, you know."

His lordship left every valuable in the safe and gave me a list of everything - for insurance purposes - and the list does not mention any wedding ring."

"But it must be there."

Horton was getting tired of this. Louise could feel his anger building.

"Do you have a contract with their lordships?"

"Why should I? I am Lady Greystock."

Horton got up. "You are wasting my time. Over to that table, pull down your knickers and your dress up. I'll spank these ideas out of your head." 

She tried to get free, but he was too strong.

He forced her to the table and held her down. He grabbed a strap and started to hit her behind.

She squirmed but could do nothing.

He was stronger than Gerald, and the spanking hurt very much. She was getting aroused.

She was soon crying.

He kept at it, and at some time Louise lost her head. She was getting dizzy.

She felt her world slipping away. Was she really a maid that was being punished? 

When he let up, he said: "Have you learned your lesson, girl?"

"Yes, master." She got up and headed for his bed.

Still in a daze she went to the middle of the bed, pulled up her dress and spread her legs.

Horton looked at her. "So a spanking turns you on?" 

After he had used her, she was sent down to Miss Andrews, and she was quickly put to work.

The day after Miss Andrews had Millie cut Louise's hair. Louise protested, but to no avail.

Now she had short, plain hair, dyed black.

She had trouble recognising herself in the mirror.



8 Work



How had she been put into this predicament?

She had little time to think. Every moment was work - work - work.

Any question about the lordships was met with a stern answer that it was none of her business.

Where was Gerald, anyway? He should have been here long ago.

Friday she heard Horton and Miss Andrews discuss Lady Greystock. "If she's on the two-a 'clock train, she should be here at three or so."

Louise did not react. No-one believed her. She saw no way out.

Later the fever of excitement in the house petered out, as the expected arrival did not occur. 

Monday Louise was called into the butler's combined office and bedroom.

"You've been here a week, Amy. You were hired by Lord Greystock?"

She was just about to say no, when she remembered the strap. She definitely did not want a repeat. She was horrified that she could be forced like that.

Gerald and she had played master and maid, but that was for fun. This was definitely not play.

She was also ashamed that she had behaved like that. In reality she had offered to bed him. He had accepted her offer willingly.

Had their playing had side effects like that?

"Yes, master."

"And yet you don't have a contract."

"No, sir."

"It's good that I have a power of attorney. What's your full name?"

She was about to say Louise but stopped in time. She did not think to change her surname, however. "Amy Greystock." 

Again he forced her to the table. She might not have wanted a repeat, but she got it anyway.

She got even wetter than the last time. She wanted him. Again she lost her head completely.

"Your name?" He kept hitting her and asking her name.

"Amy Campbell." She remembered and used her mother's maiden name. It would have to do.

Again she went to his bed and prepared to be taken. 

Louise fell asleep. The arduous work and the recent excitement overwhelmed her.

Horton looked at her. She had claimed that she was married. He would have to look into the matter, because if she was not, he would not mind marrying her. She was putty in his hands, and it seemed that his and her sexual fantasies matched.

First things first!

She had no contract, and that would have to be brought in order.

He let her sleep and started preparing the document. 

Later that day he received the expected visit from the police. He explained that the staff had expected the arrival of the Lady Greystock Friday. The policeman took notes, but soon realised that this case would be out of his hands as soon as he made his report. Possible crimes in and of the nobility were handled delicately. At once his experience pointed to her husband as a possible suspect.

Horton told the housekeeper only a little.

She told him that she appreciated that he told her, but that it meant little to her. "I'd like to know of happenings relating to this house. That's all I want to know." 

Louise got to know Millie a bit. She was not bright, and it was obvious that if she had collected the trash for disposal that fatal morning, she would probably not recall what she had picked up outside 'her' room. Again Louise came up against a blank wall. 

The next Monday Amy was summoned to the butler's room.

She feared the worst. She was not sure, but a pattern was developing.

At the same time she was thrilled. She did not want to be a maid, but he was a good lover. He beat her, and she liked that - but Gerald! She missed him.

She was not the crying type, but she could feel that it was close.

"Hello Amy. Here's your contract. I suppose that you know how to read."

She was offended, but did not let it show.

She read it carefully and applied her phoney signature.

"Now, Amy. You've picked up your duties well. So I should not punish you today." He went over and bent down. He tilted up her head and looked her in the eyes, Then he kissed her on the lips. "But maybe I should reward you instead. Would you like that, Amy?"

She started to tremble. "Oh, no. Please no, master."

He guided her up from the chair and kissed her again, this time more forcefully. She could feel that she responded. She held him closely.

"You know the drill, Amy. Over to the table. I'll get the strap." 

He let her sleep for ten minutes.

"Time to get up, Amy." He awoke her with a kiss. Her arms went round him and held him. "Master?"

"Yes, Amy?"

She was close to crying. Now she had been unfaithful to her husband three times. OK she had been forced - at least partially, but she was getting to like this - person. He was a better lover than Gerald. Marginally maybe, but better. "I don't know, master."

"What don't you know, Amy?"

"Oh. It's nothing."

"Do you want to be spanked more than once a week?"

"Oh no, master. Please don't. I don't want to be spanked at all."

He looked at her, still lying on his bed. "I find that hard to believe. You seem to respond very well to a spanking. So - we'll see each other Thursday?"

"Master! Please don't."

He kissed her again. A loving kiss that she liked. "Are you sure, Amy?"

Now she was crying. "Master! No."

He kissed her again - and again.

Finally she collapsed. "Master! I want you to spank me Thursday, yes."

"Every Monday and Thursday?"

"All right, master." She was still sobbing.

"Maybe you should move into my room?"

"I couldn't do that."

"Why not?"

"I am a married woman."

"To whom?"

She was silent. Any reference to Gerald would just enrage him. 

At some time some high-ranking policemen came by. Millie showed them into the butler's room. Louise was not there, and she was not told anything.

"I am inspector Davidson. Mr. Horton, right? Butler in this house?" They shook hands.

"We have researched the movements of both Lord and Lady Greystock. It is evident that the lady left her parents' house and headed here." What he did not say was that she had left on the Monday that Louise had indeed come into the rented house. "It seems that Lady Greystock is missing. It is also evident that his lordship left before the disappearance of his wife.

That may mean something - or it may mean nothing.

Until further notice he is our prime suspect, and the arrest order has already been issued." 

They discussed further for some time, asking Horton the same questions that the policeman had put at the first visit of the police. The inspector did not expect to catch the butler in any contradictions, and his expectations were fulfilled. 

Louise noticed the absence of her menses. Was she pregnant? She thought back. It could have happened just before she went to visit her parents. Or - she shuddered - it could have happened with Horton. That would be dreadful.

She also noticed that she was putting on weight. Was that normal for a pregnant woman? She also knew that she ate differently.



9 Arrest



As scheduled Gerald returned two months after his voyage to Africa.

He was arrested at the port and transported to one of the London police stations.

The arresting police officer could not tell Gerald anything. He simply knew only that there was a warrant for Sir Gerald.

Gerald was a big question mark. 

He was in a cell for two days, before somebody came to visit him.

"I'm inspector Homer. I hear that you have not been told why you have been arrested."

"That's correct. Is that normal?"

"Definitely not. It's against the rules. I hope that we can discuss this anomaly in a friendly manner. I have all the necessary papers here."

"Don't keep me waiting, please."

"All right. We have been told that your wife is missing."

"Louise? That sounds - very strange. Wait a minute! You said - missing. Have you been looking for her?"

"Yes. We have tried to trace the probable route that she would have travelled. We have not been able to dig up any clue. We have investigated the criminal environment of the various towns and cities that she would pass. We have investigated known robbers - and assassins."

Gerald did not react visually. "My wife carried no jewellery, so she was not an obvious target."

The inspector noticed Gerald's use of the past tense. But he was talking about his wife at a fixed time in the past. So maybe it meant nothing? 

"That's one thing. But why have I been arrested?"

"Well. As we have not been able to dig up anything, we'd like to ask you some questions."

"You could do that at my home. The arrest was not necessary."

"Well. We would like to ask you if you had anything to do with your wife's disappearance."

"So that's why. You suspect me. I don't know where she is. That's the truth. The last time I saw her was when I waved goodbye at our previously rented house."

"Do you have any connections with criminals?"

"No."

"If - we are talking in theoretical terms - you should to have somebody killed, how would you go about it?"

Gerald shook his head. "I wouldn't know."

"Please answer my question."

"I did answer you. I have no idea." 

"Does anybody in this area know your wife?"

"Yes. Mrs. Hayden."

"Mrs. Hayden died almost immediately after you left for Africa." The inspector decided to look into that specific death. Could Sir Gerald possibly have had anything to do with that?

"Have your wife been inside your new house?"

"Yes. Twice. We were there some time before we moved. We discussed the practical arrangements."

"Were you there with anyone?"

"Not at that time, but the first time we were accompanied by the real estate agent."

Gerald told Homer the names of the estate company and the agent. 

The day after Gerald went before a judge, and he decided that Gerald should stay in jail for three weeks until every investigation had been carried through. Later the same day his director came to visit him.

"What is all this, Gerald?"

"I have no idea. Louise seems to be missing, and I am the suspect."

"I am very sorry. I am also sorry to have to tell you this. Our board has decided - unanimously - to let you go. This is not a scandal - or should I add - yet?"

"Are you accusing me?"

"No, Gerald. And I fought for you against the board. I believe that in the end you'll come out unscathed. But as I said - the board fears a scandal. That could cost us customers. Look, Gerald. I am your friend. I will still be your friend, when this is all over. At that time I'll give you all the support you need." 

Louise had to go to town to get new dresses. Her uniforms were getting too tight. Miss Andrews suspected that Amy was pregnant - maybe with Horton? Andrews smiled. That should teach that uppity girl a lesson! 

The police investigated every lead.

They even contacted the real estate agent.

"When you arranged to let Lord and Lady Greystock rent a house, you met both of them?"

"Yes. Pleasant people."

"Did you feel any animosity between them?"

"Nothing at all." The agent looked questioningly at the interrogator. "That was shortly after their marriage, so maybe that's not so odd."

"Maybe they could have had a quarrel later?"

"Your guess is as good as mine."

"You haven't seen them since?"

"No."

This lead was just as inconclusive as all the rest.

All in all this case had turned out to be frustrating.



10 Clearing up



Louise had been sent to town to buy groceries.

She happened to see the real estate agent. Now she might have a chance. She approached him.

"Hello, do you remember me?"

He looked at her. A typical maid, with 'AMY' embroidered on the dress. With hair typical for servants. "No?"

"I am Lady Greystock."

"What? She is missing."

"I am not missing, but I haven't seen Gerald in ages."

He looked closer at her. She did resemble the lady, but her hair was out of place, and she had put on quite some weight. And that dress?

"Well. If you want me to, I'll have a word with relevant people."

"Thank you." 

The day after Gerald arrived, escorted by three high ranking police officers - and two burly sergeants.

Horton unlocked the door to Gerald's study, and they all went inside.

"Mr. Horton. I am told that we have employed a maid by the name of Amy. Is that true?"

Horton was surprised. Sir Gerald himself had hired her - so why was he asking? He dismissed the problem. "Yes, sir."

"Please send for her."

"At once, your lordship." 

Louise came in.

She had not been told that Gerald was here - only that she had to go to his room.

"Gerald! How I've missed you."

Gerald looked at her. "Louise? Is that really you? What have you done to your hair?"

"They forced me to have this haircut."

"They? Who are they?"

"Miss Andrews. They assumed that I was a maid, employed by you."

"Couldn't you have told them differently?"

She told him of the accidental meeting with the mailman.

"So he assumed that I was a maid."

"Couldn't you have showed them your ring?"

"I wasn't wearing it, remember?"

One of the police officers interrupted. "According to our information the ring is missing."

Gerald protested. "It's in the safe."

"Not according to the list your butler has. He claimed that the list was for insurance purposes."

"True. But if that wedding ring is stolen, nothing could make up for it." 

Gerald went to the safe and started turning the dials. One of the sergeants accompanied him. Gerald was a bit miffed. Did they think that he had a firearm in his safe?

He pointed inside and said to the sergeant: "There it is."

One of the officers asked the sergeant to carry it to Louise. "Please put it on."

She could not.

"I have put on quite some weight since becoming pregnant." She added to Gerald: "It must have happened just before I left for my parents' estate, darling."

His look was inscrutable. She had expected him to look happy.

"Gerald! Where have you been so long?"

"Africa on business. Didn't you read my letter?"

"Letter? What letter?"

Gerald looked confused. Then: "Oh, of course. The mistake - they would not give that letter to a servant." 

The policemen were somewhat confused.

Her explanations did not really help their confusion.

In the end the most high ranking officer made a decision. "I must admit that this is all very extraordinary. But if you insist that you are indeed husband and wife, we'll have to drop this case."

They left. 

Louise had expected Gerald to come over and hug her, but he did not. He kept sitting and stared emptily in front of him.

"What's the matter, dear? Now everything is cleared up."

"No, Louise. On the contrary. This storm that we both have been through will be like nothing to the tsunami that's heading our way, will we or won't we."

"I don't understand."

"But you will. Do you remember our last visit to my parents?"

"Yes. You all seemed upset."

"Exactly. You see, during our stay in our previous home I had wondered why you did not get pregnant. I went to see specialists, and when their examinations were over I was told that I could never have any children."

Louise felt as if she had been kicked.

"I told my father, and he got terribly upset. We quarrelled, and he almost kicked me out there and then. When we had returned I received a letter stating that I had been removed from his will and that my cousin - with three children - had replaced me. Our monthly allowance has also been cancelled."

"Your job?"

"Fired. They were not fond of complications. And our situation is indeed complex. I am not even certain that the police has stopped suspecting me."

"What?"

"Think about it. A concatenation of mistakes - and suspicion is their livelihood. They may even suspect that I have had an affair with a maid."

"And I am that maid? Supporting your story - and supplying you with an alibi?"

His silence was an answer in itself. 

He took some deep breaths.

"We'll have to discuss this clearly and dispassionately. Without feelings interfering."

Louise nodded. This was not good. She was carrying the child of a butler. "So what are our options?"

"We have two choices. That leaves us with four outcomes. Each of those has several variations." He paused. "The first choice - should we split up or stay together?"

"What?"

He must have heard her, but it seemed not to affect him. "The second choice - should we change our identities?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Look, Louise. Identities - we might stay here under our own names - and try to get through without too many slings and arrows. But the staff would know, so rumours would be widespread. I would never be able to get my job back. We would have to depend on my ability to earn enough. I find the possibilities slim - to say the least. We could never have our way of living back."

"Is it that bleak?"

"The scandal. My parents may not have told anyone. But people would know. And they would talk. Mud would cling to us forever." 

She was silent for a bit.

"What if we had new identities?"

"That would bar me from my normal network. I could never earn a fraction of what I'm earning now. WAS earning, I mean. Our total lifestyle would be in ruins."

She was getting more and more depressed.

"And I am carrying another man's child. My parents would never take me back. Do you think that they know - I mean about your being unable to sire a child?"

"Probably. Well, maybe not right now. But anyway - if they happened to mention it to my parents, they would be told."

She shuddered. "Do you have any ideas?"

"Not right now." She hated him sitting there - devoid of expressions. 

After some time Gerald pulled himself together. "All of our options will require sacrifices. Yours will be the worst. I'm sorry."

"What would you suggest?"

"First of all. We should have a divorce. Second - you write your parents and tell them that we have agreed to separate in a friendly way. In that letter you'll tell them that they will get your dowry back in a short time. You'll tell them that you'll enter a convent. That will be a lie - a white one. That the convent will allow you to write them once every year, but it'll not allow any visits.

When I have sold our assets, I'll place our money in bonds. We'll split the bonds fifty-fifty. Not very much, but your part should enable you to put any children into boarding schools."

"So I'll be left dangling? What about you?"

"I see only one option. I know a lot about hunting. So I'll become an anonymous big game hunter in Africa. There are still places there. Not my favourite occupation - but it is a living, sort of." He shrugged his shoulders.

"You have no alternatives?"

"None." He looked pulverised.

"Poor Gerald. What about me?"

"I'll leave that to you. If you want me to I'm willing to discuss it."

She shook her head. Any moral support from Gerald would just be embarrassing. She knew what her prospects would be. She was going to become a real maid - and married to a butler.

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