A Victorian Tale... Innocence Corrupted (Silvamoon and ThomasWaller)

[ThomasWaller]

“Oh, they’ve money a'right. Money but no depth if you get my meanin’. Didn’t my granddad and his work in the same bog, sweatin’ and cursin’ side by side, just as common as you and I... And now the airs and la-ti-dahs... turns milk to cider it does.” The elderly patron of the Caldwell Arms, signaled for another pint and continued his oration on the merits and faults of the Barlowe family.

“Well, I’ll take his money for service anytime. It pays for the pints in your belly and the tobacco in your pipe John Davies.” The younger man smiled impishly as he spoke, knowing that this would incite the old one to rail even more vehemently on his favourite topic.

“I’m saying and I’m saying for all to hear, that Henry Barlowe is as low as I am. I don’t begrudge him his success, true as God I don’t. But he’s no need to primp, preen and pose about Grandgate the way he do. He owns half the town true... but he’s not the Lord Mayor... silk purse, sow’s ear...silk purse sow’s ear.” He tapped the tobacco out of his pipe on the heel of his shoe, pausing for effect.

The six or seven locals in the Arms nodded and chuckled, John Davies was off on one of his rants. He pursued his standard topic: the berating of his employer. What particularly irked the old man was the disparity between his own sad fortune and the wealth of his one-time neighbour. The locals indeed shared some of the man’s green-eyed envy and relished the old man’s tirades. He worked as servant in the Barlowe home and revealed deliciously intimate facts about the town’s wealthiest citizen.

“And her... She’s worse. Kathleen Barlowe... Kathleen Tully as we all remember. Her dah was the town drunk and her mah... long gone... took off and left the slew of them to raise themselves... Common as dirt she is. You should hear her go on about marriage and contracts and family names, she’s never content with their bags of money but aches for a title like a babe for a teat. It’s her will be the death of 'enry Barlowe. Mark me if she is'nt. If I had to take her with the offer of all his coin, I’d refuse flat out... true as God I would.”

The young man prodding and instigating took a large gulp of ale and asked. “What of the daughter... What of Josie?”

John Davies held both hands high in the air, as if taking an oath. “Now that girl can raise even my tired John Thomas, old as I am. Have you seen anything that fine in this town... honest now... be honest... as sweet as clover she is... How she comes from that shrew Kathleen Tully is a wonder indeed... miraculous. Wonderous as Bethlem.”

“You’ve hit on it now John,” the younger man nodded. “Josie Barlowe is the ultimate prize. A beauty and a bounty all wrapped in one dick-raising package.” He stood and held his tankard in the air. “To Josie Barlowe... Let her pick the haystack and I’ll be there day or night.” The patrons stood in mock seriousness and jokingly drank the toast. “Josie Barlowe.”

“Now, Timothy. You aught not poke fun. She’s as gentle and shy as a lamb with a good word for everyone. She’d turn red as blood to hear herself toasted in a common ale house.”

“All in good fun, John...all in good fun. It’s not poking fun that interests me, there’s another kind of poking that I’m saving for Josie Barlowe.”The crowd laughed heartily at the jest.

Unnoticed by all of them however was a tall dark haired stranger, eating in the shadows of the stairwell. He was dressed in leather riding boots and a great coat, obviously apart from the gang of locals, in both mood and station. The patrons giggled and carried on to the exchange between Timothy and ole John. This man, however, listened differently, intently, broodingly.

Wesley Smithers began to scheme as was his want. It was not so much a plan as a string of potentialities. Perhaps his visit to the small Wessex town might prove even more profitable than he had hoped. Then, as if to an imaginary partner he raised his tankard and drank to Grandgate. “Grandgate,” he muttered.

 

[Silvamoon]

It was true that Josephine Barlowe would have been mortified to hear herself spoken about so lasciviously in the town’s local pub, but as she would never be allowed to step foot in such an establishment or even associate with anyone who did then she would never hear the town gossip. No, instead on this morning she had to suffer through the gossip that was passed on by her mother. Josie stood in front of the mirror in her bedroom, her maid laboriously lacing up the corset that embraced her torso. Her mother, Kathleen, sat stiffly off to the side in a supervisory role as she chattered on about the hot gossip from London. The young woman took a deep breath and braced herself as her maid finished lacing up the boned corset, a wince flashing across her delicate porcelain features as her mother paused to command the maid to tighten the laces even more. This narrow-waisted look was all the rage in London, supposedly, but Josie was hardly able to catch her breath and the way the garment pushed her full breasts up made her extremely uncomfortable.

“Mother, is this really necessary to wear for church?” Josie meekly asked, not meeting her mother’s gaze as her maid finished dressing her in a blue jewel toned dress that matched her eyes. The skirts were full and flared out at the hip to emphasize her thin waist, and although the bodice was modestly square cut the effect of the corset nearly made her breasts spill out of the fabric. “It is absolutely necessary, Josephine. We must keep up appearances in town.” The matron of the family had big plans to travel to London for the spring season and catch a titled nobleman for her daughter, and in her mind this was just a practice run. “Your beauty is wasted on this pathetic place, but we must make due until your father agrees that a move to London would be beneficial for all of us.”

Josephine’s beauty was indeed legendary in the town. The nineteen year old young woman was of average height, and possessed startlingly blue eyes and porcelain cream skin. This contrasted richly with her deep auburn hair that she often wore pinned up. She naturally possessed a full chest and a narrow waist, and the ever fashionable corset only emphasized her hourglass figure. Josie didn’t respond to her mother, her eyes downcast as the maid finished pinning and twisting her hair up into a bun. She would rather be dressed plainly for an outing in town, but she would never speak against her mother. Finally presentable, the young woman was hurried out of their home and into the carriage where her father was already waiting. At the ostentatious sight of his daughter the man’s eyes widened in surprise and disapproval, but one sharp glance from Kathleen Barlowe silenced him. “Doesn’t our Josie look lovely? It’s such a pity there are no serious suitors in this town for her.”

The young woman shifted uncomfortably during the short ride to the town’s simple church, and she grew even more uncomfortable under the scrutiny of the people who had gathered for the service. As the mass commenced Josie tried to keep her attention solely on the pastor, but eventually the weight of the stares, both admiring and scathing, made her head bow for the duration of the service. After it was finished and the congregation gathered outside a few people approached Henry to discuss business, and by extension Kathleen. This left Josie standing off to the side, no one daring to approach despite her strained yet earnest smile. The flashy outfit she wore did more to ward off both men and women than any words could.

 

[ThomasWaller]

The Beauchamp estates were expansive and charming. Smithers stopped at the gatehouse and appraised the manse with its surrounding woods and ponds. He could not remember his mother's litany of relations but knew only that their families were somehow connected. She had implored Wesley to go to them, offer assistance and advice. "Their once noble name is in peril, Wesley, and you are so clever with these things. I fear they will lose mansion, property, reputation and all. It is enough to make one weep for pity."

Wesley cared not a fig for their reputation, nor for their impending penury. He did however remember David Beauchamp. He was a striking lad who had grown into a fine figure of a man. When the Beauchamp’s visited his mother, Wesley was always taken with the boy's beauty. David had been finished in Cambridge and was now of an age to take a wife and settle into the life expected of a country gentleman. Wesley's mother expressed the hope that a lucrative marriage might be arranged and prove the saving of the household. This expectation proved identical to Lady Beauchamp's, who saw David as the family's last and only hope.

Wesley had entirely different hopes for the boy. In London Smithers made exorbitant sums of cash by procuring attractive young men and women to serve the prurient needs of London's idle and fetid upper crust. It was Smither's fast intent to deepen rather than alleviate the family's woes and poverty. He would, then take David with him to London and use his parent’s dire situation to force the young man to bend to Wesley's perverted will. He could foresee a time when David was one of the star attractions to his stable.

The recently overheard ramblings. concerning a local upstarts beautiful daughter had Smithers weaving a web that may procure him two earners. The pair of mothers, one aching for title and the other desperate for money, would easily be seduced as accomplices in their own children's demise. It was the dastardly aspect of the deed that appealed to him as much as the profit. Confidently, Smithers goaded his horse to approach the manse. It will be good sport to bring about the corruption of two country innocents. A wicked smile played across his lips.

The entire Beauchamp family awaited Wesley with his sage advice, expecting a saviour in lieu of a man. David Beauchamp remembered the long and lanky spider of a man who sat now in their drawing room with mother devouring his words like manna from heaven.

David was all in for selling the mansion and its properties, buying a local farm and working the acreage himself. He had a longing for the bucolic life, encouraged by the poets of the age to seek an honest and simple agricultural occupation. His mother would of course have none of it and longed to bring the name back to its former glory. She had ruined his father's mind with her constant demands for enterprise and investment. But, as the man had no training or knack for it, he was the dupe of every charlatan in the empire. Had they tended the farm and raised their livestock, they would not have found themselves in so miserable a situation. Still Lady Beauchamp, Duchess of Grandgate refused to spit out the bit and find recourse in honest work.

"And do you know, Lady Beauchamp, who now owns the village and profits from its commerce?" The stick of a man inquired.

"No, I have no idea Wesley." David's mother replied.

"It is the Barlowe family, who have risen on the aquisition of all that you have lost. Henry Barlowe owns the mills, the stockyards and the warehouse, controlling all monies that pass through the town."

"Barlowe?... Barlowe?... The name means nothing to me. She of course meant that it could be found nowhere on the social registers.

"He grew up a peasant within your very town madam and are more likely to find his name among your list of former serfs than among the London elite."

"Why the effrontery of the man. How dare he. What is it all coming to Wesley? What indeed? How do you come to know the man?"

"By doing what you and yours should have done... knowing the affairs of your village... keeping your finger on the pulse, so to speak. In two short days I have come to realize that the man could buy and support this manse without causing a minor dint in his storehouse. And... he has a daughter... a comely, gentle creature; his sole heir. Does your mind begin to turn with mine Lady Beauchamp? The girl's mother is besotted with social climbing. The same solution is rife among the London gentry... no shame, no shame at all."

The pair of schemers put their heads together and began to whisper; occupying themselves completely with their plans. David, excused himself and went out into the gardens to sit with his addled father who was shelling peas. The air was filled with heavenly breezes and bracing movement. David relaxed into it, until his mother appeared at the door with the scarecrow at her elbow.

"Get dressed David. We are off to St. Luke's Upon the Hill. We still possess baronial rights to our seats unless God has left his perch."

David hated the idea of parading before the locals. He was never seen in Grandgate. But, he knew his mother's will and reluctantly rose to dress. The service was interminable and when it was done he fell in behind mother and the stick man, glad that mother would be in as much a hurry as he to escape into their carriage. She hated rubbing elbows with the peasants.

To his surprise, the shadow man was pumping the hand of a local merchant and making his introductions. To his shock, his mother accompanied him and allowed herself to be approached, questioned and greeted. There was a fawning, obsequious woman who accompanied the merchant, if she could have licked mother's shoes, she would have.

David leaned against the stonework of the ancient church and waited. A muttering crowd clustered about the strange apparition of mother chatting with the peasants. Then, David noticed another, as willingly removed as himself from the melee: as disgruntled as he by the delay. She was a fresh and alarming beauty. David was instantly smitten. He was that taken by her that he could do aught but stare. Finally, he proffered a hand to the maiden. "David, David Beauchamp. How pleased I am to meet you. I wonder I have never seen you before."

Yet even as he said that, he half remembered a young playmate, a lass encountered in Barley Wood. Something of the eyes, the tendril of unruly curling hair carried him back through the years.

 

[Silvamoon]

It was completely unladylike to fidget, a fact Josie found herself ruminating on as she stood in the courtyard of the church. She could feel the gazes of the townspeople upon her, and a rosy flush appeared on her cheeks as the wallflower found herself under intense scrutiny. She would have loved to go and wait in the carriage, partly to get away from the glances and partly so she could sit down and alleviate some of the pressure being put on her torso from the constricting fashion she was forced to wear. An exclamation from her mother drew the girl’s attention, and her eyes widened in surprise to find her parents speaking with a woman who was even more richly dressed then herself. Josie’s eyebrows furrowed thoughtfully as she witnessed this tableau, an uncomfortable feeling sinking in her stomach.

Josephine could guess who the woman was, and what her mother was thinking. The Beauchamp’s were well known around these parts, although not often seen in town. She had heard that there was a son, but she didn’t believe she had ever laid eyes on him. That wouldn’t deter her mother, however, and her thirst to arrange a titled marriage. Their family had money, yes, but no prestige. They might own the largest house in the town but money would never buy the respect that her Kathleen Barlowe craved. In her mother’s mind a marriage into a noble title would beneficial for both families because the Barlowe’s would gain a title and as the sole heir to the family her future husband would eventually inherit all of the wealth they had accumulated.

The young woman resisted a sigh as well as she turned away from the spectacle, nearly running into a young man that had appeared. “Oh! I’m very sorry sir, I didn’t see there.” The blush on her fair skin intensified, this time in embarrassment over her absentmindedness. Josie’s blue eyes lit up in recognition at the man’s name, and she dipped into a brief curtsey. “Josephine Barlowe, sir. It is a pleasure for me as well.” The shock of his appearance wore off, and she was able to study his features fully. David Beauchamp was wonderfully handsome, and Josie was finding herself as besotted as he was. Reaching up to brush away the unruly tendril of hair that had drawn his attention she also found something familiar about him.

“This is very forward of me, but I do believe there is something familiar about you. I feel as though we have indeed met before.” Josie paused to take a breath, resting a hand on her narrow waist. She had worn a shawl around her shoulders to try and distract from the way her breasts swelled over the bodice of her dress, but the strands of pearls that draped around her neck only drew more attention. “Did you used to live near here? I remember a boy in Barley Wood...” She paused again, glancing back to ensure her parents were still deeply in conversation. No doubt they would soon descend upon her and demand to be introduced to David, but for the moment she could enjoy his presence unhindered and unharrassed.

 

[ThomasWaller]

A wide and fetching smile of recognition spread over David's face. "Jo-Jo," He fairly laughed out the name. "You, I swear were my redemption before I was six and sent off to boarding school... Jo-Jo." He found it difficult to restrain from hugging her.

David had not been permitted to play with the local children and grew bored to tears from his parents constant wrangling. He quickly learned to seek the solitude of the woods just west of the estate: the dense and secluded Barley Woods. Where he played in solitude.

He was a lonely child and ached for children's company. His active imagination, fed by hours of stories read to him by Nana Gerdy, was given free rein in the deserted woods. He would be knight, highwayman, squire,
villain, armed with sticks and stones yelling out commands to his troops or pirate crew. Then, one day he met Jo-Jo, wandering lonely as himself. They played that entire day long and then met constantly by Danby Pond thereafter.

They shared thoughts and hopes in a childish but earnest way and when David was in fact parceled off to school. His strongest regret was the end to their playtimes. He missed Jo-Jo more than he did any family member for that first year at Danbridge. The years clouded the memories of course but this chance encounter brought with it a flood of strong vibrant memories.

"Do you remember, the Swan," a name they had given a make-shift raft which they sailed over Danby Pond fighting off pirates and brigands. How many times did I rescue you from the evil Captain Wallace?... And, the rough made picnics and shared stories. Good Lord Jo-Jo. Look at you. You have grown to be a beauty. There would be no chance of you running off to meet me by Danby Pond now. You must needs have suitors by the score. I'm.. I'm overwhelmed at seeing you once more. Might I?... Could we ever..." He reached out to take her hand but the gesture was interrupted by his mother's tugging at his sleeve.

"Come, come, David." Mr. Smithers insists that you meet Henry Barlowe and his family. "You do tary so."

In a like manner, Mrs. Barlowe dragged Josie over to join the company with her husband.

The introductions were formal and correct which drove David to distraction. His only desire was to spend some intimate time with a rediscovered childhood friend and acquaint himself with the woman who struck him so.

At the end of their handshakes, bows and formalities David mouthed a silent plea to Josephine Barlowe..." After breakfast tomorrow... Danby Pond... regular place... Do come." He was given no time to receive either acceptance or rejection but hoped beyond hope that tomorrow would bring a proper reunion.

 

[Silvamoon]

The sight of David’s engaging smile and the childhood name that only he had called her brought back a flood of warm memories for the young woman, and a smile as bright as his lit her delicate features. “Davie! I thought it was you. How incredible for us to meet here, now.” Josie hadn’t known that he had been sent away to boarding school. One day he hadn’t been in the woods, and then the next and the one after that. At first she had thought he had stopped coming because of something she did, and eventually she stopped going into the woods at all. Playing outside was something that was soon frowned upon by her mother, and although she wasn’t sent away to school the tutors came to her and studies took up the majority of her days.

Eventually she had stopped thinking about her childhood friend, and it had taken this chance meeting with him to bring back a flood of nice memories. “I hadn’t known you went off to school. I thought…maybe I had done something to upset you.” Josie’s smile dimmed momentarily, now appearing shyer. “But I am so glad to see you again.” They had both grown up, and now seeing him again after all of those years brought up feelings that were decidedly more than childish friendship. The memories he brought back up caused her heart to ache in nostalgia, a wistful look shadowing her eyes when he mentioned suitors. “That’s..kind of you to say, Davie. You have matured nicely as well, if I may say so.” Josie didn’t want to mention that she actually had no suitors at all, due to her mother’s high hopes for a noble marriage.

She reached out a gloved hand to meet his, only their fingertips brushing before they were abruptly interrupted by their respective mothers and corralled into a proper meeting. Josie quickly morphed her casual banter with David to a more formal tone as she was introduced to the Duchess of Grandgate and a Mr. Smithers, the latter giving her a queer unsettled feeling. Her features did not betray her, but she too was tired of the uptight meeting and longed to catch up more with David. As they parted she noticed her childhood friend sending her a silent message, one she was more than happy to oblige. Josie gave him a quick nod to show that she understood, and she was determined to make their meeting tomorrow.

The rest of the day was uneventful, although her mother seemed more intent than usual on finding her a suitor. She didn’t know that her mother thought David Beauchamp would be the perfect match, if only for the family name’s prestige. Through the afternoon and evening hours the young woman carefully plotted how she would sneak out, and through the night she hardly slept a wink for her excitement at reuniting tomorrow. In the morning she rose extra early and had her maid dress her in more casual attire, although the corset was unavoidable. She joined her father for breakfast and mentioned that she would be meeting a friend in town for tea, thankful that he was occupied with business and didn’t inquire about exactly who she would be meeting. Her mother always slept late and took breakfast in bed, so Josie didn’t even see her before she slipped out the door after breakfast.

Although it had been many years she still remembered the path to Danby pond, and nearly ran there in her excitement. By the time she arrived her cheeks were flushed rosily from the walk through the woods, and auburn tendrils of hair escaped from the bun the rest of her locks were wound up into. Raising a hand to shield her eyes, she glanced around to see if her friend had yet arrived.

 

[ThomasWaller]

David spent a fitful night, a night filled with expectation, reflection and anticipation. He realized that he had spent his life devoid of any true intimacy, separated from the town folk by his station, from his school mates by competition and from his family by ambition. This had conspired to make him a serious and sullen young man, inclined to poetry and philosophy. Yet, when he saw his Jo-Jo that very afternoon, a long forgotten joy found his heart. Hers was the only true friendship he had ever experienced.

As he tossed in bed and awaited the dawn, he played scenes from their childhood together: laying on the banks of the pond whispering childhood secrets, creating pictures with the clouds, laughing at their own fears of the woodland noises. They could and did tell each other everything. He had no idea that Jo-Jo was unaware of his leaving for school. He felt sick to his stomach as he pictured her waiting for him, day after day.

How long did she keep coming in expectation? Could she ever forgive him the betrayal even though it was never intended or imagined? He must ask, beg her forgiveness. His thoughts would then turn to the striking creature that she had become and in those instances he longed to take her into his arms. His thoughts and hopes swung back and forth like a pendulum until he thought it suitable to rise, dress and make his way to their pond. He would rather wait there, somehow closer to her already.He propped himself up on their tree, and waited. Eventually, he heard the rustle of leaves and skirts round the bend in the path. He jumped up and ran to meet her.

It is singular that two hearts can be pulled by the same intent, the same need, and recognize it in each other without words being spoken. The pair ran at each other upon sighting then embraced and spun in place. It felt as natural as breathing to both of them; as did their next action of locking themselves into a passionate kiss. Not the kiss of two long parted school chums but the deep fetching kiss of long and secret lovers.
Indeed they did not leave off kissing each other and breathing out each other’s names for the longest time. Finally, they broke off and held each other at arm’s length staring into each other's eyes.

"I cant believe I have found you again my Jo-Jo. We will never allow ourselves to be separated again. I swear it. I swear it. Never again. My dear, dear Jo-Jo. Can you ever forgive me for leaving you without explanation? I had no idea that I was leaving the last time we were together. How long did you?... No I cant think on it." This lead to another bout of soul stirring kisses and embraces.

Eventually, they began to walk together, opening up as if no time had passed since they were last together fourteen years ago. Round and round the pond they followed the path; yet they were not aware of the tedious route or of anything else but each other’s company and their professions of love; oblivious to the woods that surrounded them.

Oblivious also to another set of eyes that observed them continuously.
As patient as the lovers themselves Wesley Smithers had followed David into the woods and was delighted to play the voyeur to the intimacy of the reunited lovers. His foul plan was to be easier to execute than he had dared to hope. The mother's were firmly on his side, marriage was a certainty.

The Beauchamp family was already in distress and he had only to destroy the Barlowe fortune and enterprises in order to control both David and the delicious Josie Barlowe. He wanted them at his mercy. He watched the pair snuggle and fawn then set off back to the manor. He had letters to write and research to do... Barlowe would have a past. No one climbs as he has climbed without creating some skeletons; and, if not Smithers would create them. He was very good at what he did.

 

[Silvamoon]

It had been so long since she’d been to Danby Pond, but Josie remembered it as if it was yesterday. She too had been thinking about the past fun she and David did have in this place, and the young woman was ecstatic that they had been reunited. It didn’t take more than a moment for them to spot each other upon her arrival, and in a rather unladylike manner she hitched up the hem of her skirt and hurried toward him. There was no hesitation as they embraced, indeed it felt as if they had been together always in the way that their bodies molded together. Josie couldn’t remember ever feeling this way about a man before, and that might be due to the feelings that she had long harbored for her childhood friend.

“Davie…” She murmured, her blue eyes taking in every feature of his handsome face. Her lips parted briefly, and then they mutually met in a kiss. As a sheltered country lady she had no practice in this art, but quickly she learned the rhythm and melted into his arms. Josie couldn’t tell how long they stood and kissed, their lips exploring each other’s. Her hands had involuntarily reached up to rest on his shoulders, but slowly they began to slide down and explore the strong muscles of David’s back. Eventually they did pull away, her pink lips now swollen from their actions and painted a deeper rose color. She was breathing deeply as they regarded each other, her ample chest rising and falling against the bodice of her plain dress.

Hearing his apologies made her shake her head, her body drawing closer to his so that her head could rest on his shoulder. “Don’t fret about it Davie, that is in the past. We were children and could not control our destinies…but at least we have found each other again.” Josie smiled up at him, the worried look in his eyes driving her to distract him with kisses. It felt as natural as breathing to be with him; the townspeople would be shocked to see quiet and polite Josephine Barlowe in such an embrace. When they began to walk along the pond she grasped his hand in her own, simply enjoying his company.

Josie hadn’t given a thought to the fact that she might be followed, trusting that her father had been duped by her story of venturing into town. Since her mother abhorred having to mingle with common people she did not fear that the woman would go looking for her either, but a strange feeling occasionally tickled the back of her neck. Covertly the young woman gazed around the calm and wooded area, wondering perhaps if someone else had found their secret place in the time since they had left it. Seeing no one around, she shrugged the feeling off as fanciful thinking and turned her full attention back to her secret love. There was no doubt in mind that this is the man she was going to marry, and she only had to convince their respective families. “Darling, are you quite sure this is what you what? That I am what you want?”

She couldn’t look at him as she spoke, wanting to share the truth with him. “My parents…are not the most polished or cultured, and I know we have no title. Are you sure your mother would approve of this match? The upper society of London might not understand this union.” Josie felt in her heart what the answer would be, but she still wanted to hear the reassurance.

 

[ThomasWaller]

For many days to follow, the reunited lovers crept off to meet in the bowers and clearings within Barley woods, locations that once served the pair as playgrounds now became tender retreats. They spent hours in soft and rambling lover’s phrases and promises. Their singular concern became how to bring about their marriage. If it could not be arranged formally they were bound to elope and face the mad world armed only with their devotion to each other.

Their only days apart were caused by the impossibility of pressing one more excuse to flee their households. The agony caused by these separations were twofold, frustration for the one who waited and angst for the one who could not get away. When they did safely steal time to be in each other’s arms, they spoke endlessly of ways to present their case to their families.

Now, on this ninth Friday since their profession of love things were different altogether. David paced frantically back and forth occasionally whooping for joy and then running back and forth down the path upon which Jo-Jo was to arrive. “She had to come today. She just had to. I’ll burst if she doesn’t.” Minutes dragged their weary feet until he heard the tread of her upon the pathway. He bolted towards her and lifted her off the ground. “You will not believe it, Jo-Jo. I do know and can scarce believe it.” She questioned him, laughing to see his boundless joy.

“Come, come.” He shouted leading her by the hand to a clearing off the beaten path. “You must sit. Sit and listen. I have no idea how to relate the news. Sit. Sit.” He then sat beside her and took her right hand in both of his. “You know the unctuous, deplorable scarecrow Smithers? Well I detest the man. But, but this morning I nearly kissed him. He has plotted, believe it or not, to solve the Beauchamp’s financial woes through marriage. He has hatched a scheme to have me marry a wealthy commoner’s daughter, one by the name of Miss Josie Barlowe. He has indeed enlisted my mother and this Josie Barlowe’s mother as accomplices to realize his plan. He intends to sit us down this very evening and make a business proposal to the pair of us: a marriage of convenience Josie. We are to be offered a marriage of convenience. Yes, yes, it’s true it’s all true. My love, my darling we are to be wed, soon with our parents’ blessing: no, with our parents’ insistence. My lovely Jo-Jo, I nearly kissed the spider man as he unfolded his news. I’m to be pressured to marry you. Oh thank you fortune, oh bless you fate.”

The pair sank into the thick grass and kissed as they often had in this very place. But now the smoldering fire of passion burst into flames. David lay on top of her for the first time, his cock hardening as they writhed against each other. A hunger of mouths and hands overtook them, the knowledge of their impending marriage freed the caged animal in both of them. “My sweet, sweet Jo-Jo,” he whispered his hands sliding up to her breasts. He continued to grind and thrust his stiff cock into her tummy and she opened her legs slowly to allow him a welcoming home. He was caressing her breasts with more insistence now and she of her own volition began to unbutton the front of her bustier.

Soon his hands slipped up and under her cotton shirt and he felt the soft, firm wonder of her naked breasts. Moved by love and spurred by lust she worked her hand into the front of his trousers and took his throbbing cock into her cool grasp. As one being they soon stood up and stripped off their clothing watching each other greedily, with no hint of shyness.

Their clothes lay in a heap on the grass and the lovers fell back atop them. David knelt between her legs and Josie opened them for him smiling up at him as he stared in rapture at her naked cunny. She beckoned to him from her prone position and David grasped his cock and began to insert it into his darling Jo-Jo. There was a brief interruption as he met the blocking hymen but Josie thrust forward and he sank his cock into her. He felt the tightness and waves of constriction inside her. She closed her eyes and he remained still; swimming in that ultimate connection. They were one more than they had ever been, now physically as well as spiritually.

Slowly they both began to roll their hips into each other, finding a rhythm. Their breathing increased and the rolling turned to thrusts, their breathing to grunts and moans. They were fucking, truly fucking each other. Soon her legs wrapped around his waist and they made demands on each other for “harder, faster, yes, yes, do my love, do.”
They both came hungrily and rested, panting tother, while his cock softened inside her. The semen spilled onto their clothing but they would not leave each other and began a torrid bout of kissing... proclaiming their undying love.

Yet again,however, their rendezvous was shared. Wesley Smithers lay in the dense under brush and watched them fuck. His own hand had extracted his turgid cock and he stroked it feverishly as he watched the beautiful lovers take each other’s virginity. He mumbled to himself. “I will fuck you too Josie Barlowe, and you will ask me to do it and your husband David will watch me do it, perhaps I’ll even get him to put my cock into that lovely cunt. You see if I don’t. The pair of you will enter my perverted, depraved world, you have no choice. You’ll take my cock willingly” His cock erupted in his hands shooting thick jets of sperm over his own clothing. He lay back relieved and smiling to himself.

The reason for his confidence lay in some letters received from his solicitor, from a hurried trip to Manchester and from his ensuing unearthing of a heinous secret kept deep within the Barlowe family since their rise to prominence. He now had the means to place both families in such peril that their children could do naught but his will. His perverted will. He fondled his own flaccid cock as he contemplated his next move....

 

[Silvamoon]

Josephine often felt as though she was living in a wonderful dream for the past number of days since she had been reunited with David Beauchamp. She had felt trapped by her mother’s high expectations for her to travel to London and ensnare a husband with a title, but all of her troubles were gone now. She had met the love of her life, and they were determined to be together no matter what the consequences. Josie had never been a particularly rebellious girl, preferring to hold her thoughts and opinions inside lest her mother give her a tongue lashing, but she would have endured any punishment from her parents if it meant that she and David could be together.

Every day she had attempted to sneak out to the lake for their illicit meetings, although sometimes one or the other of them was unable to make it. The obligations of family life took up David’s time, and as a lady and not having many acquaintances in town Josie had quickly run out of excuses to give. That didn’t deter her though, and she had taken to sneaking out at every opportunity. Whenever she returned she always expected a row with her mother, but the older woman had been in a queer excited mood as of late and she was loathe to break the streak. On that particular day she had had a bit of an issue getting out, but there was no way she could go two days in a row without seeing her beloved.

A smile broke out upon her face as she finally reached the lake, her mood growing even lighter by the fact that he was there and seemed to be in a particularly excited state. “What is it, my love?” She asked him with a laugh, his infectious enthusiasm reaching her. Patiently she sat down as indicated, clasping their hands together. Recently they had been plotting ways to encourage their parents to agree to their marriage, but the news that David had to share with her was shocking. “Is it really true?” Josie finally asked, an incredulous look upon her face. Of course she knew all about the Beauchamp’s financial woes and didn’t care a bit, knowing that her substantial dowry would be enough to secure them a nice homestead where they could live out in the country. “They have conspired behind our backs this whole time…no wonder mother has been in such a fancy mood lately. Ha! We shall have to practice our looks of surprise when they insist upon the match.”

Breathlessly she began to imagine a future for them, something she hadn’t dared when they were only wishing for a marriage to take place. Now that there was a level of certainty for their shared future Josie could hardly contain her love and excitement. “This is the most wonderful news Davie, I can scarcely believe it. And to think, this man Smithers is the driving force, I never would have thought him interested in our affairs.” If only she knew how wrong she was. With their passions inflamed like never before the pair of lovers sank down into the soft grass, their hands and mouths wildly exploring. Josie had never felt this depth of emotion before, and she would have done anything to please her beloved.

“How I love you, Davie.” She murmured, turning from a shy country lady into something more wanton at the touch of his hands. Throughout their shared kisses she had become more comfortable with their bodies, but still the feeling of his hard cock rubbing against her was surprising in a wonderful way. Instinctively she knew where she wanted him, and she spread her thighs so that they could more firmly feel each other. The touch of his hand over the fabric of her breasts wasn’t enough for Josie, and clumsily she began to unbutton her bodice. “Please, just touch me!” She gasped out, her head thrown back in abandon as he fondled her breasts. Those creamy globes of flesh had never felt such attention, and her rosy nipples instantly hardened into stiff peaks.

The lust that she felt was shocking to her, but Josie loved it and knew that nothing could come between them now. Shedding their clothing in the woods was something thrilling, and she was in awe of David’s beautiful body. Being nude in his presence made her shy for a moment, but the lustful look in his eyes made any nervousness melt away. This was right between them, and she was going to enjoy it. Reclining on their forgotten clothing, the young woman had never felt as beautiful or desired as she did in that moment when her lover gazed rapturously upon her most secret place. Her hands reached down to grasp his shoulders and urge him inside of her slick cunny. “Oh!” Josie gasped as David sank inside of her, her tight walls clenched even tighter around the intrusion.

For a brief moment she felt a twinge of pain as her virginity was torn, but she reveled in the feeling of their closeness. Although both unpracticed they soon found a familiar rhythm, their hips thrusting against each other to achieve the greatest pleasure of all. Her hands clenched the tight muscles of his shoulders while her legs came to wrap around his waist, and soon they both reached the highest pinnacle. Josie moaned from the intense feeling, her hips undulating softly as her cunny milked all that David had to offer. She ought to have been worried about the possibility of a baby, but with their impeding marriage she felt no fears. “That was wonderful.” She murmured to her lover between kisses, not wanting their connection to end.

Eventually as the shadows began to grow longer she regretfully untangled herself from their embrace and stood to dress rather clumsily without the help of a maid. “I must go now my darling, if I am to be ready in time for our families meeting tonight. I detest the fact that we must be apart, and we must demand our wedding to take place as soon as possible so that we might live together as man and wife.” Smiling she reached over to brush her hand against his cheek, feeling his own smile grow in return.

 

[ThomasWaller]

Wesley found it an easy task to arrange the marriage at Randal House. Lady Beauchamp, Mrs. Barlowe and the two lovers all firmly pushed towards the same end: the mothers for the sake of prestige and the couple towards marital bliss. Weaved throughout the planning was Smither's insistance that the newlyweds rent one of his apartments in London. The mothers wanted their children to stay in Grandgate, and David and Josie hoped to begin farming in the area.

With the mothers he argued that in London, he could find David suitable employment until he began his agricultural pursuits; but more pointedly, Smithers would introduce him to the right sort of people. With the Beaushamp name and the Barlowe resources, he could make them the new "have to meet" couple among polite society.

With the lovers he argued that David and Josie would, through connection with the gentry, hear of estates and grand farms going up for sale. There were many names and houses in the same situation as the Beauchamps and it was the gentry who knew of these possibilities well before the estates went on the auction block.

They were to attend the theatre, take visitors and enjoy an extended honeymoon in a nice flat which he owned: 23 Tarrington Circle, the right sort of place with two serving maids and a gentleman's gentleman already tending the residence. He knew it was expensive but Mrs. Barlowe readily agreed to support the couple as they got their feet under themselves.

Smithers did indeed feel smug and self satisfied. The trap was baited and set, all things in alignment and he had merely to spring the trip wire. That he did on Josie and David's wedding night. The ceremony and reception were grand yet tasteful, anyone who was anyone within the town and environs were invited: businessmen from Barlowe's side and peers of the Beauchamp circle. Henry Barlowe, consulted on nothing, but completely bullied by his wife, had spent a dizzying sum on the affair.

David and Josie, were beside themselves with love and future expectations: a new life together, freedom to enjoy each other. Like many young lovers once the damn of sexual restraint had been burst, they could not get enough of each other. In the bowers of the woods they soon discovered oral sex and varying positions, fucking constantly and bringing about the most possiblle pleasure for each other. The best of lovers do seek their partner's satisfaction and it was so for them. They resolved to tell each other, show each other everything. It had been their practice in childhood and they wanted to carry it over into their intimate sexual life.

Both of them were solitary and pensive by nature and all their sharing and intimacies were between themselves but all the deeper for that very reason. They also possessed the intelligence required for truly outstanding sexual relations.

When the scarecrow was not busy arranging his foul plan, he practiced the voyeur and spied on the couple time and again in their most private of moments. He would crouch or lie and masturbate, making himself promises to participate when he had them under his control. He gladly watched the lovers teach themselves erotic love. He watched David bury his face between Josie's legs and her writhing twisting climax under his tonguing. He watched as Josie took David's cock in her mouth for the first time and sucked him to completion. They fucked with Josie on all fours. They fucked with Josie riding David's cock. They fucked standing. They fucked in the spooning position. They pushed and challenged each other to greater and greater heights of lust and passion.

On that fateful night of their wedding the pair retired to their chambers as soon as they deemed it appropriate and carried the night into dawn with their sexual exploits. Recovering from their multiple climaxes by fondling each other and talking in hot whispers of their boundless future and their proposed life in London.

The wedding guests filed out relatively quickly the pair retired. Lady Beachamp needed to put her addled husband to bed. He had no cognizance of the import of the day but enjoyed the claret that he was allowed and kissed David warmly. David was his sole joy and companion. The only with whom he made any real connection.

Smithers took Henry Barlowe by the elbow as he was about to leave Randal House and escorted him into the library, he signalled for Mrs. Barlowe to follow. He sat them down on a chaise lounge and he behind the large oaken desk.

" I have a story. Imagine there was a young couple, newly married like Josie and David this day. They had none of the monies, none of the connecctions, indeed no prospects whatsoever. But, they too were in love and both were shrewd and ambitious. Imagine that they were from this parish, and, through her sister they arranged to take positions in a grand house in Manchester."

Henry and Kathleen Barlowe turned ashen and she clutched his hand in dread.

"Now imagine that the head of the household was a tyrant, mistreating and withholding monies from his household employees. One of the new industrialists he had unending capital but was niggardly and churlish just from habit. Wouldn't his servants detest the man and might they not even seek to exact revenge. Imagine further that three of these servants concocted a plan to kidnap the man's child and demand a ransom that would allow the three of them freedom from the monster and a chance to undertake an opportunity of their own. You must needs know the man to understand this enterprise against him.

Now, imagine the payment of the ransom turned tragic. That the man handed over the satchel of money in the assigned darkness of the woods, but then struck out at the masked collector with his heavy cane, that a deadly fight ensued, that the kidnappers mask was ripped away, That the recognition caused a more violent battle. Imagine that finally the kidnapper bashed the master's head in with his own cane.

Now imagine that our couple fled with all the monies paid by the murdered man, the murdered "RED HAIRED" man. And they fled also with both the ransom and thekidnapped daughter. They returned to this very parish, to Grandgare. There they prospered handsomely, brilliantly.

Imagine that the two other kidnappers in Manchester, discovered their whereabouts five years ago and that the now wealthy man paid them large sums of money each quarter. Would it not be simple for a clever man with a solicitor to trace bank drafts and monies sent? Would it not be a simple thing to find these accomplices who were as fearful of hanging themselves for the deed as was the murderer.

Just imagine the ramifications if the story came out. If their daughter, newly married finally understood the source of her fine red hair. I will contact you from London Henry and Kathleen Barlowe, with instructions. Now I am tired and need to retire....."

 

[Silvamoon]

Since the news of their marriage of convenience had broken Josie’s life had been a whirlwind of wedding plans and clandestine meetings with her fiancé. She had never been so excited for something in her entire life, and the bliss that she felt in marrying the love of her life was only compounded by the fact that she would no longer be living under her overbearing mother’s roof. Keeping this mantra in mind she worked with her mother and the Duchess of Grandgate to plan the nuptials as quickly as possible, no expense spared by her parents for the ceremony. This was going to be the event that the town talked about for years to come, and Kathleen Barlowe was determined to ensure that it was never overshadowed.

Josie and David had immediately wanted to find a quiet country estate and settle down quickly, but Smithers eventually succeeded in convincing them that the newly married couple would do better to reside in London for a time and then get settled out in a country estate. There was something about the spidery man and the way he looked at her that made Josie uncomfortable, but she never voiced her opinion and deferred to David’s judgment on the matter of their future residence.

On the day of their wedding the young woman was radiant in a modest white frock, detailed with delicate lace and frothy layered skirts. Josie scarcely remembered the ceremony and the reception afterward, her eyes and thoughts solely focused on her bridegroom. She recalled seeing many of the town’s important residents and hearing their congratulations, but she could hardly wait for them to disperse so that she and David could join together finally as man and wife. In their heated meetings leading up to the wedding they had explored each other as intimately as possible; brought themselves to new levels of ecstasy. Now that they were officially wed she could hardly wait to consummate the union.

As they finally retired for the evening Josie giggled and teased her husband, both of them giddy with the knowledge that their love and passion was finally sanctified. Even as they made love to each other her parents were being blackmailed by Smithers, no sense of this unrest reaching the lovers in their cozy marital bliss. That night the pair barely slept, so intent to take their fill of each other’s bodies that there was no time for rest. The very next morning the bleary eyed couple said their goodbyes to both families, no sign of the spider man’s late night chat. The pair ascended the carriage gleefully, ready to begin their new lives together.

The ride to London was uneventful, Josie nearly hanging her head out of the window to see all of the astonishing sites as they entered into the massive and bustling city. She had never been permitted to travel outside of the town she had been raised in, and she was astonished at the sheer size of the buildings and the number of people. Soon enough they reached 23 Tarrington Circle, the servants readily outside to greet them. “This city is simply amazing, David. We will have so much to see and do while we are here looking for an estate!” The naive country couple is certainly in for a rude awakening.

 

[ThomasWaller]

David began to feel shame over his longstanding abhorrance of Smithers. The man lurked in the background of David's life since he was a child. He used to hide behind his mother's skirts whenever the "Spider man," came to visit. Lady Beauchamp had chided the boy for the dreadful name but he could not rid himself of the monacher and even had nightmares about Smithers. Yet, the man had wined and dined Josie and himself generously during their first month in London. He had introduced them to wealthy and influential people, such that their heads swam with Lord and Lady this and Duke and Duchess that.

The young couple did not have a penny coming into their household but Smithers had waved all such considerations aside. "The Barlowe's have assured me that you have no worries on that account and that they will see the pair of you set on your feet and positioned to stride into a bountiful future. Clothes, food, wine servants, entertainment, theatre, dinning, occupied them constantly and Wesley Smithers encouraged them. "Spend, let them all see what you are worth. Impress them my dears and their world will become your world."

Tonight, Smithers was coming for a visit, and Josie and David spared nothing for their benfactors entertainment. When he did arrive, he brought two burly, frightening looking thugs with him. He sat in a tall backed upholstered chair and signaled Josie and David to cease fusing and sit...listen to him. "Shall I tell you what I have missed since we all arrived in London?"

"Watching the pair of you. I spied on you constantly. I watched you fuck for the first time in that bower in the woods." David sprang to his feet, cursing and went for the man. Wesley's two bodyguards sprang into action interposing themselves then easily subduing David and placing him back on the sofa.

"These two brigands are professioal fighters and bodyguards from the East End David. Do not do anything stupid or else Josie will prove one of the prettiest young widows in London." He sat back smuggly and took a pinch of snuff.

"I ogled you both as naked as babes. I watched you lap Josie's cunny and her suck on your manhood, your cock. The pair of you are randy little rabbits when you get going. I would masturbate as I watched you both and again later in my bed. I vowed that I would become part of your lovemaking." He said this with such surety that David shuddered. He cursed, vowed to kill Smithers, spat at the man, but he also felt a cold chill shoot down his back.

"You both doubt that don't you? I believe that you need some truths and some reflection. Let me tell you about me. I earn my fortune by pandering to the perverted lust of the idle rich in this city, all over the country for that matter. I provide young and exciting flesh for the old but monied gentry. Most of the people to whom you have been introduced have expressed an interest in using one or both of you for their sexual depravities. I provide sadists, masochists, young people, couples, etc. There is nothing so lewd that I cannot find a partner for their beds, their dungeons whatever.

I run a common brothel but much, much more. You've seen that full length mirror in your bedroom. Well, if you sit in the dark in the next door apartment, the pair of you are on full view. Lady Shaddington sat in there two nights ago and tells me you put on quite a show. She paid an enormous sum for the privledge." He threw a small bag of coins on the floor. "your cut." He smiled.

Why would a pair like you work and perform for me. You would rather die, I can hear you say. Well, I have purchased Randal House, for back taxes. I allow your parents to stay there, David, but I keep track of their expenses. I could have them both in London's poor house within two hours. Can you imagine your mother in a work house? Or, your addled father, shelling peas in Newgare?

"Now Josie, I have a story to tell you: a little affair in Manchester." He went on to relate the murder involving Josie's mother and father. He kept the fact that they snatched the baby and that said baby was Josie herself. He'd keep that bit of information to use when he needed it. But a kidnapping, a murdre, two blackmailing witnesses. He could have Josie's parents hanged. He reminded the couple that they owed him rent, expenses, and fees for his silence.

"I'm going to leave you now and let you grasp the full weight of all this information. I'll ease you into your lives as prostitutes and will come for David tomorrow at this time. Lady Shaddington wants a little of what she saw the other night. Let me know then about your intentions. If not I have your four parents to destroy."

He turned on his heels and strode out. The thugs backed out behind him.....

 

[Silvamoon]

It had been an eye opening experience to live in London, but Josie had been enjoying their time more then she thought she would. The town was so diverting, and Smithers had constantly been introducing them to noble families and procuring invitations to lavish parties. The shy country girl had felt uneasy at times, but everyone they met had been so welcoming and pleasant that she had soon warmed up. The young couple’s plans had been to spend as little time as possible in London until they found an estate that could serve as their new home, but they had been enjoying themselves so much that they’d barely had time to send out inquiries about land for sale.

That night Smithers was coming to dine with them, and although she still felt there was something peculiar about the man Josie was determined to impress him. “Do you think he will enjoy this, David? I feel we still may be too plain for this exciting town.” She fretted for a moment before Smithers arrived, although his appearance and that of two other men with him made an unpleasant feeling settle in her stomach. “Welcome to our home.” She murmured, no other pleasantries passing between them until he bid her and David to sit down. Josie was becoming more anxious, wondering if something terrible had happened to one of their parents. Her hands clasped together in her lap as she waited to hear whatever news the spider man had brought.

David had already sprung up by the time her mind had processed the vulgar words coming from Smithers, her hand covering her mouth in a shocked gasp. “What?!” She cried, her heart speeding up in fright as her husband squared off against the man’s two bodyguards. “David, no!” Josie cried, her hands rising to grip his bicep as he was roughly shoved back down on the sofa. The thought that she could easily be a widow was a terrifying one. She had always felt as though there was something sinister about Smithers, but she had kept her opinions to herself because of everything the man had done for them. Now she could see it was only for his personal benefit.

Josie turned bright red as the man described in detail the intimate moments he had witnessed between her and David, and a disgusted chill ran down her spine at his intention to join them. The young bride felt physically ill at the knowledge that he had been watching them, her grip tightening on David’s arm as his ire rose. “W-why would you do this to us?” She finally asked, although also afraid to hear the response. Her query was answered when Smithers began to explain what sort of business he was in, and the embarrassed flush that had lit her cheeks soon drained away to a sickly white pallor. The majority of the pleasant people they had met in the last month had been evaluating her and David as though they were for sale like a suckling pig at a market, and now according to Smithers they actually were.

This was too incredible for her to comprehend, and Josie was beginning to feel faint at the new knowledge that someone had joined Smither’s voyeuristic tendencies and had already viewed her and David in their marital bed. Her blue eyes squeezed shut tightly, as though she would suddenly wake up from a dream. There was no way she and David would play along with this man’s terrible scheme, and Josie was readying herself to tell him that. Then the spider man played his trump card and brought up the situation of David’s parents’ fortune, and spun a tale about her own parents and a heinous crime they had committed. Josie sat on the sofa in shock, no words able to form in her mind over the sheer weight of the information Smithers had relayed.

She was relieved when he announced his leave, but the young woman flinched at his crass use of the term prostitute and the knowledge that he would be returning soon. As soon as the door shut behind him Josie shot up from the sofa, her skirts swirling around her as she turned to face her husband. “David, what are we to do?” There were too many thoughts swirling around in her head, it was hard to concentrate. “This is absolutely terrible, I knew there was something devious about that man. And to know that he…” She couldn’t even finish the thought, that he had been watching them. “We must flee back home…we can protect our parents, can’t we?” Pleadingly she looked at David. “We can’t let this happen to us.”

 

[ThomasWaller]

David sunk into the sofa with his head in his hands rocking back and forth. "We must think Josie. There must be a way out of this. That foul inhuman creature has used us like puppets... us and our families." He stood and began to pace about the room. "I will not let him touch you. Look at you... the vile monster. I knew, I knew, since I was a child I knew."

David and Josie spent the entire night and all the next day in a similar state, going from plans to kill the spider man, to escaping with both the families. All plans were deemed impossible. The couple pictured David's father abused and frightened in a detention house, the mother reduced to a penniless hag, then both of Josie's parents swinging from the gallows in Manchester.

"I have to kill him, there is nothing else for it my Josie. I will not let this happen." He made this resolve a half hour before Smithers was due to arrive and David was to be sent off to service Lady Shaddington. They both knew that Smithers would be protected. They both knew that everyone and everything they loved, including each other was at risk. They both understood that David had to comply. They would seek an escape yes, but it was impossible not to comply. They broke down in each other's arms.

Smither's arrived at the apartment, promptly and was accompanied this time by four thugs of his employ. He did not knock, but rather let himself in: as landlord he possessed a key and waved it wickedly in front of the pair. "We'll David are you ready for your task? Quite pleasant really to fuck an attractive older woman. You may find yourself enjoying it. Might he not Josie? Now in case you have any ridiculous ideas ... my solicitor has letters for the authorities to put everything in motion should something, untoward, happen to me. I know you would not contemplate such a thing, but I have played this game many times before, and act out of caution."

David was taken, two of the thugs grasping an elbow each. Josie was left alone and threw herself to the floor in despair. Then, a few minutes later the door was unlocked once more. Smithers had only two of his brutes with him. He stood over Josie. "You know my dear, the first time is always the most difficult. David is off performing his duty. We had to send him away my dear for the first time. He would never have allowed it. He may have gotten himself killed. Secure her gentlemen."

One of the brigands took Josie's wrists and pulled them back and out while the other treated her ankles in the same fashion. They were strong violent men who held and manipulated her at will, despite her struggles. Smithers knelt on her skirts between her legs and slowly began to unbutton her bodice. "Feel free to scream, beg and plead Josie. There is nobody on any of the floors who does not work for me. They are aware of my intentions for the evening. I've waited a long time for this my lovely. You will both become accustomed to your new lives, your new realities. Struggle as you will, I quite enjoy it."

After unbuttoning her bodice and raising her under garment, he sat back on his haunches and admired her breasts. Then with the help of the first man he removed the garments entirely. She was now naked from the waist up. "Let me get you completely stripped down before we begin to play, shall we. He and the second brute removed her shoes, yanked off her bloomers then slid off the skirting. She lay now naked and spread as Smithers stood between her thighs smiling down at her. "Look at that splendid red bush gentlemen. Doesn't that make your mouth water? And those pale pink nipples, good Lord she is a goddess. Bring her over to the boudoir. I want to fuck her on their bed. Tie her to the bedposts I want her wide as possible."

Wesley entered the bedroom after the men had splayed and bound her. They each squeezed her breasts roughly, fondled and tweaked her nipples and prodded and probed both her vagina and her anus as they readied her. They were leering, slobbering villains both. When Smithers entered he walked back and forth around the bed both stripping himself and touching Josie everywhere, more caressingly than harshly.

He was all thin and gangly with angles and joints arranged for all the world in a spider like fashion. His cock which he stroked incessantly was thin but incredibly long. It now pointed far out in front of his body. He stepped up onto the bed and again knelt between Josie's splayed thighs. He took his long bony thumbs and opened her cunt up wide and lewdly. Then, he pinched, pulled and manipulated her inner lips folds, clitoris and sensitive opening. He studied her cunt minutely, pushing the outer lips from side to side to examine the crease between cunt and thigh. "I love a pretty cunt like this. Look at this little flower boys... a wonder. Feel free to play with yourselves as you watch the proceedings."

With the same care and precision Smithers, memorized Josie's tits, her nipples. He hefted them, squeezed them, twisted them. It felt to Josie that he would never leave off. Then he lowered himself over her and began to use his mouth, tongue, lips, teeth on her breasts. Sucking, licking and kissing them both gently and roughly. He trailed his tongue down her belly, lingering at her belly button then continued to her cunt. He lapped, kissed tongue fucked the helpless Josie nothing could be more humiliating, until he began to lap at her tight little rectum. He penetrated her with his tongue and even sucked on her little rosebud. The ministrations with his mouth seemed interminable.

Finally he stopped but knelt up and took his long thin arm of a cock in his hand. He was so aroused that he slammed it deeply into Josie with one long and brutal stroke. His pubic hair met hers. He closed his eyes and began to fuck her. Shockingly, he pulled his cock out, lifted her off the mattress and brought the head of his cock to her anus. The thinness of the penis allowed him to penetrate with some stabbing thrusts but the length of it was incredibly painful. He grunted, groaned, moaned and sighed.

Three times he alternated between fucking Josie's cunt and her ass. Till finally he shuddered and twitched out a violent orgasm, filling Josie's vagina to over flowing. He then allowed the two brutes a quick fuck of the ravaged girl, telling them to hurry or leave off.

"I'm going to leave you here like this my beauty. So that you can hide nothing from David. He will be home within the hour. That is all Lady Shaddington has paid for. I do hope he enjoyed himself as much as I did. Thank you everso much Josie. He kissed her lips. We shall have to try that orifice next time..."

 

[Silvamoon]

There was no time for rest that night as the newly married pair tried to come up with a solution to their newly emerged problem, but as the night turned into day Josie felt an even greater feeling of despair begin to take over her. No matter what sort of solution that was proposed there was always something that prevented them from carrying it out, and soon she began to realize that they were well and truly trapped by the spider man. If she and David were to run away and disappear then their parents would be left to suffer, and that was not something either of them could bear to do. Josie knew that their best bet would be to go after Smithers directly, but after seeing him with those thugs she knew that was also not something that was easily achieved.

Throughout the day they continued to try and come up with ideas to save themselves and their parents, but as the hour of the spider’s arrival drew nearer her apprehension rose. “Please, David, don’t leave me here!” She begged him just before Smithers’ arrival, knowing that whatever happened on this night could never be undone and would certainly impact their future. When the man arrived this time he brought four thugs with him, thus intimidating her even more and cementing the knowledge that they would never be able to touch him. “Don’t do this to us, please.” Josie wasn’t afraid to beg as two of the men dragged off her husband. “My parents have money…they can pay any sum you desire!” Her words were met with the slamming of the front door, and she sank down onto the floor with tears streaming down her cheeks.

When she heard the door open again a short time later she glanced up, and gasped in alarm at seeing the trio of men. “Stay away from me.” Josie said, her voice shaky. She knew what the purpose of this visit was. The young woman had only a moment to rise to her knees before the two thugs were upon her and held her down. “No! Don’t do anything to David!” She tried to strike out against her captors, but they were too strong and held her down as if she were a ragdoll. When the spider approached and began to unbutton her bodice the fear and revulsion that she felt were enhanced significantly and she earnestly began to scream and thrash against his ministrations. “Don’t touch me you vile man! I am a married woman!”

Josie halfheartedly hoped that a neighbor or passerby might come to her aid, but as more of her clothing was yanked from her prone body and her struggles continued she began to lose any semblance of faith. “Why are you doing this to me?” She was ashamed of her nakedness on display to these terrible men, but no matter how much she struggled against them there was nothing she could do to loosen their grasp. Josie let out a choked yelp when they lifted her and carried her to the bedroom she shared with David, her humiliation increasing as she dreaded being defiled on their marital bed. When the men began to bind her to the posts she begged and pleaded with them to release her, and then resorted to screaming and shrieking again when they began to molest her.

“Smithers, please, don’t do this to me. To this family!” She pleaded with the man himself when he appeared, her frustration growing as he ignored her words. The young woman flinched away from his caressing touches to her body, only wanting one particular man to be the one touching her. As his own nude body was revealed Josie had to clench her eyes shut, not wanting to believe this was really happening. The first touch of his bony fingers against her pink flower made her whimper, her hips bucking in attempt to evade him. As the spider continued his perusal of her body Josie tried a new tactic in that she didn’t respond to him at all, instead laying limply on the bed like a rag doll. That didn’t seem to deter the man, and her inner turmoil only grew as the seconds ticked on. She wanted to scream at him to leave her alone, and she was also ashamed of how her body was responding to his ministrations.

Her nipples puckered as his tongue and teeth played at them, and she began to squirm and buck her hips again as his mouth explored her most intimate areas. “What are you doing?!” Josie finally yelped as his tongue moved from her exposed cunny to her rectum, her cheeks burning at the thought that this was happening to her and there was an audience. The poor girl had no time to prepare herself before Smithers suddenly thrust his thin cock into her, a wail leaving her lips as he began to fuck her roughly. His mouth had left a little lubrication, but the stabbing thrusts into her cunny were painful and raw. Her wail turned into an outright scream when he suddenly forced his cock into her ass, the length of him more painful then the girth. As he alternated between her two holes Josie’s voice grew hoarse from screaming and moaning in pain, and still no one came to her aid.

Eventually as he neared his peak she fell limp again, her body soon reaching its peak of pain and humiliation. When he spilled inside of her tight cunt she made a noise of protest, and didn’t even bother to voice her dissent as his two thugs quickly took a turn with her violated body. Josie lay there with her eyes clenched shut, trying to ignore the throbbing ache of her body and the viscous liquid than ran down her thighs. She had a stray thought that she must procure some of the herbal tea that ladies drank to ensure that they didn’t become with child. She and David had had no need for it, yet now she surely did. Her lips puckered in distaste at the spider’s kiss, and she stayed mute as the men left. As soon as she heard the front door close tears began to fall from her eyes. She felt tainted and dirty, and impure wife for her doting husband. Now she had been defiled by others, and she didn’t know how she could face David.

 

[ThomasWaller]

David sluggishly entered his flat. How could he explain what he had been through. How could he tell her the lurid details of his evening with Lady Shaddington and her demented husband. His angst turned into panic as he saw the boken goblet and the tippled tea table. "Josie!" he called over and again as he burst into the bedroom. There his heart and his body froze. His beautiful Josie was tied splayed to the bedposts. He dare not think. He dare not do anything but untie the binds which dug into her flesh.

He sat her up and took her into his arms. Hugging each other they rocked on the bed for the longest time. They both were in tears and all he kept repeating was " Oh my Jo-Jo. My lovely, lovely Jo-Jo." He tried on a number of occasions to pull back and look at her talk to her but she would not let go. So, they rocked back and forth for at least an hour.

"I was told my Jo-Jo that I was to perform, to satisfy the Lord and Lady Shaddington or else you would be hurt. I believed you would be safe. I left you here and will never, never forgive myself. I am going to kill him Josie. This very evening I am going to kill him. I don't care about the outcome. He does not deserve to live. If I am gone perhaps there is no use to carry this thing further."

He closed his eyes and replayed some of his evening with the perverted couple. He directed his wife and David as they fucked and performed oral sex upon each other. The pair of thugs that brought him to their home sat in the chamber adjoining the bedroom. David could hear them laughing and talking. It was they who threatened Josie if David did not provide complete satisfaction. David had shuddered as Lord Shaddington took hold of David's cock and slid it inside his wife. David had never had a man touch him sexually and it sickened him. But, he complied for Josie. He would keep her safe.

Josie cried herself limp. David lay her down and covered her nakedness with the sheets. "You are never to think my darling that you are one jot lower in my loving estimation. I love you as much, no more than ever." She was no longer sobbing but struggled to catch her breath. David left her for a moment. She was sure he was going to hold her and climb into bed with her. Instead he appeared at the bedroom door with a cleaver in his hand. He announced that he had the deed to do and ran from the apartments. Josie ran to the door but it was too late. He was gone.
Not an hour later, she heard his key in the door and raced across the room to meet him. To her shock and dismay it was Smithers. "Typical, oh so typical. Will nobody try something original. I tire of the ease of it all. We of course have David and his ridiculous butcher's cleaver. He did very well my dear with the Shaddingtons. They were enthusiastic and smitten with him. I would hate to lose him. But, it is your turn to go out on your first job. You will be seductive, coy and a sexual harlot. Your client is an older man: Count Vincourt, flatter him, bring him to a number of orgasms. You will spend tomorrow night with him. You will sleep with him.

David is with us and we will torture him if we are not happy with you. We are not above slaughtering him and dropping him at your feet. I and a number of my friends will be here to pick you up tomorrow at six pm. Be dressed seductively and ready to perform. David's life depends on your performance my dear. Do not doubt that for an instant.

Then, the monstyer was gone.....

 

[Silvamoon]

For a while Josie lay there limply, tears trailing down her face and onto the rumbled sheets of the bed she shared with her husband. If she turned her head to the side she could see the vile mirror that Smithers had informed them was where people had spied on them, and she bitterly wondered if there had been an audience for her defilement. When the front door slammed her heart leapt in her chest, anxious that the spider had returned for another round. Then she heard David yelling her name, and shamefully she closed her eyes, not wanting to see his expression when he saw her lying there. Tears continued to trickle down her cheeks as she waited for him to say something, anything. Instead she felt the ties that bound her give way, revealing angry welts that encircled her wrists and ankles where she had constantly pulled.

Her blue eyes finally opened to meet his, and she couldn’t help but to throw herself into his arms. “Oh David, it was terrible.” Josie could say no more, still haunted by the shameful act she had to endure. She clung to him tightly, still aware that she was naked and splattered with vile seed from her attackers but not caring. She didn’t want to hear about his own evening, knowing that it would only make her more heartsick. The notion that they had both been used and abused was more then she could bear, and eventually she cried herself into exhaustion. As David tucked her into bed she managed a tremulous smile, her heart still nervous to believe that he didn’t think any less of her. “I love you too, darling. More than anything.” Josie began to calm down, hoping that they could lie together in bed and perhaps think of an escape.

Instead she saw her husband reappear in their bedroom with a cleaver in hand, and with a shocked gasp she leapt out of bed and ran to the door. “No, David!” She called out after him, afraid that she really would be widowed. Anxiously she waited for him to return, only leaving the parlor to hastily clean away the evidence of her assault and to put on a dressing gown. Her maids did not appear, leaving her to believe that Smithers had sent them away for the night. When she heard keys unlocking the door Josie leapt up to meet him, but shied away when instead she saw Smithers. “My husband…” She began, only to be cut off by the man’s instructions. The young wife felt sick at the knowledge that they held David, and that she would have to perform to ensure his safety.

It had been more than she could bear to be forcibly taken against her will, but to willingly engage in sexual acts with another man? She couldn’t fathom the thought. “I…” She began to say that she couldn’t do it, and wouldn’t, but the knowledge that they would kill her husband and leave his body to her was enough to bring her to tears again. When the spider left her again she sank to the floor, tears dripping down her face again. How had they ended up in such an atrocious situation?

Eventually Josie ended up back in bed, too worn out from the physical and emotional abuse she had endured to stay awake any longer. She slept long into the afternoon, until her maid woke her. Without much talk she let herself be bathed and dressed, knowing now that the women were employed by Smithers. They dressed her for her new station as a prostitute. They gave her no undergarments except for a corset that they laced tightly to enhance her hourglass figure. The dress they provided was a scarlet red that complimented her upswept dark auburn hair, with full skirts and a low cut bodice that nearly exposed her nipples. A pair of heeled slippers were also provided for her, and a choker that wound around her elegant neck.

Josie was led to the parlor just before the spider was due for his inspection.

 

[ThomasWaller]

Smithers arrived with his usual accompaniment of thugs. He sat smugly on the lounge, indicating that Josie should proceed to the center of the room. He had her spin about in order to appraise the look. "Very, erotic. A lady of the night. A sexual vamp."

He stood and approached her running his hand over her ass as if she were indeed his property. "David is unharmed, though he does fret over you. I told him you were in good hands, that I personally would accompany you. How could you be safer than that? The girls in the brothel are quite taken with David. I allowed two of them to perform oral sex on him but that is all. We don't want him tired out. Many of the Ladies you met through me want a tumble with your handsome husband. He is quite a hit already my dear, after just one fucking. But, you know how word does get around.


Thus far he is unharmed. But, if you fail to deliver on one detail of your assignment, he will be tortured. If he does return to you he will not be whole." His hand which was fondling her ass had slid between her legs and he caressed Josie there as he spoke. "Now, enough of the threats and unpleasantries my dear. Let's talk about your evening. The Count is an older gentleman, in his early sixties. Still quite potent my love but needs coaxing, tempting, wooing.

The three of us will dine at his flat. Be sure to flatter him, touch his thigh, tell him how handsome he is. As dinner proceeds begin to get more aggressive: touch his cock, tell him you want him, ask him to take you to bed and fuck you. Tell him you are more aroused than you have ever been. If I perceive that you are less than enthusiastic in your portrayal of the temptress, word will be sent back to the brothel and David will suffer for it.

Once in bed with the Count, I beleive that you will have to suck him into a full erection. He will likely take a long time to cum my dear. Use your hands, lips, cunt and ass to bring the man to an orgasm. It will not be a quick affair as it is with your young David. You will need to pretend to orgasm yourself many times for the sake of his ego. Orgasms and flattery are the by words when you are in bed with the man.

I will be stationed to the side, watching your performance. I will be quiet as a church mouse. I may masturbate watching you offer yourself to him and writhing but apart from that. I will be only a fly on the wall.

You will plead with the old fellow to let you stay the night: to snuggle up naked to his body and dote on your newfound lover. If you satisfy, then David will be here in your flat when you return in the morning.

"I can't get over how ravishing you look my dear." He gave Josie a lingering kiss. He took her hand by the wrist and worked it into the front of his trousers. His cock was fully erect and Josie was forced to wrap her hand around it. Soon, the three of us, you, David and I will share that bed and frolic together... and you Josie will ask me to fuck you... to fuck you as David watches.... you see if it doesn't happen...."

 

[Silvamoon]

During the day Josie had been trying to work through her nervousness, knowing that the fate of her husband rested on how convincing a prostitute she could be. Which unfortunately was not looking very well at all. Although she and David had explored each other sexually it felt natural at the time because of the love they shared, and now having to give her body to another and pretend to enjoy it was not something the young woman had any practice in. When Smithers and his cronies arrived she felt her nervousness increase, no words passing her lips as he ordered her to the center of the room for an inspection. When the maids had produced the outfit she had nearly refused to put it on, wondering how any woman would wear such a revealing outfit.

Now she cringed away from the apprising looks of the spider man and his thugs, her muscles flinching when he put a hand on her ass. Josie longed to ask if her husband was unharmed, and Smithers obliged her too well. The notion that David was staying in a brothel and had other women touching him made her burn with jealously, and she had to console herself with the knowledge that at least he hadn’t been harmed. When Smithers moved his hand between her legs she let out a whimper of dissent, her thighs instinctively clenching shut to bar the intrusion. Taking a deep breath Josie forced herself to relax and remain stoic, lest she raise the spider’s ire in any way.

As he began to describe what the evening held for them the young woman found herself growing fainter, not knowing how she would pull off the convincing portrayal that Smithers and his client demanded. She had absolutely no experience in faking pleasure, and the thought that a man who was old enough be her father would be touching her was repugnant to her. “How…I don’t think I can do this.” She plaintively said, tears beginning to well in the corners of her eyes. “I am no actress.” Yet the fate of her husband relied on her performance. The fact that the spider would constantly be watching was another frightening factor; having an audience to anything intimate was not something she was comfortable with.

Her worried thoughts were interrupted by Smither’s lips meeting her own, and the young woman had to consciously force her body not to recoil away. Josie let her body be controlled by him, and didn’t resist when he thrust her hand down his trousers and against his excited cock. She had a little experience stroking David to an aroused state, but she still felt hopelessly inept. Nervously she glanced away as her hand began to slowly work up and down, not wanting to see the evidence of his admiration. She didn’t voice an answer to the spider’s twisted fantasy, knowing that any unkind words she said would directly translate to pain for her husband. Josie felt like she was trapped in a nightmare that wouldn’t end.