M. Riviere bowed and drew back a step.

“Thank you,” Archer said again, as their hands met.

Distraught at all that he had learned, Newland took refuge by retreating to the private quarters of his home. How could he have been so blind? Manipulated? His temper rose. To be deceived by one’s own family was nothing short of humiliating. And at this moment, May, his wife, was nowhere to be seen, unaware that he needed her comfort. And now the discussion with Riviere about Ellen. Everything had become so complicated.

A light rapping came upon the door.

Newland glanced toward the door and grunted some semblance of a directive to enter. The latch turned slowly, and the door opened a few inches.

“Sir?” the chambermaid Miranda said softly.

“Yes, what is it?”

“I’ve brought you some tea, sir.”

Newland motioned for her to come inside the room, turned toward the window, and waited for her to go. But she did not leave after preparing the service. She slinked up behind him and placed her hands on the small of his back.

He turned to her. “Miranda, not today.”

“You should allow me to assist you, sir. I see you are quite disturbed.”

He stiffened.

“I have known you for many years now,” she said. “And you are quite aware how I can ease your tension. Let me rub your shoulders.” She urged him toward his lounge chair, and when he was sitting comfortably, she removed his shoes, propped up his legs, and took off his shirt.

When he felt her fingers begin to massage his toes, Newland instantly calmed. She worked on his feet first before her nurturing hands moved upward—legs, arms, and finally shoulders. He closed his eyes and let the tension of his meeting with the Frenchman drift away to more pleasant thoughts of the Countess. He told himself to remember only those thoughts of making love to his Ellen. Before long, he was dozing, only to wake to the sight of Miranda standing before him naked. But what made his eyes widen in shock was that the other chambermaid, the young Anne, was also before him, equally nude. The lusty wenches had removed his own clothing and now his member was stiffening despite himself.

“What’s happened here?” he said. “I feel that I have been deceived again today.” Although his mood instantly lightened when he saw the anticipation in the women’s eyes. “But I dare say,” he said, clearing his throat. “This is a delightful deception.

Anne was situated on her knees between his legs, and she began swirling her tongue around the crown of his manhood, which had now fully stiffened from her luscious touch. Despite her inexperience, the young woman was good, he thought. Miranda stood beside the chair with a knee lifted upon the arm of it. Her legs were opened wide, and she was caressing her womanhood, giving him a wonderful show.

“To please you, Sir,” Miranda said, smiling wickedly. “But I must admit, it pleases me as well. Very much.”