The Perfect Mistress

Ch. 2 The Afternoon Tea

Hannah rushed back to her bedroom to change her gown to a more appropriate one to attend tea in the drawing room.

As usual, she was very busy that day. Her sister-in law relied on her to run the castle where the family lived.

Coming from a noble but poverty-stricken family, Catherine Abbey, later Countess of Winston, was not used to managing a big house, let alone a castle, with about a hundred employee inside and outside.

George, The Earl of Winston, upon coming into his title and inherintance, had asked Hannah to be a personal assistant of his wife. Hannah had run the castle ever since their mother died, so it was easy for her. With her help, Catherine could focus her attention to her husband, their two young children and the social life that came with the title.

When she moved back to the castle, Hannah stroke a bargain with her brother. He insisted she went back to use their family name and put the past behind, including her late commoner of a husband and child.

In exchange, he respected her widowhood by setting aside the east tower for her only, with a small stable to house her own horse. Also he promised not to force her to marry again, and to put a blind eye were she to have admirers as long as it was conducted descreetly.

Hannah held on to that promise. For five years she had been back, she already had a string of admirers and lovers. None of them offered marriage, of course, for they all knew she couldn't have child. And what man would settle for a wife who fail to produce heir.

But even if such man existed, she would have refused him. She loved her freedom and did not wished to be owned.

The tea time was one of the events when she could be introduced to her brother's endless streaming of guests. Sometimes she found a mutual attraction for a gentleman, which usually end up with him in her bed after everyone retired for the night.

She enjoyed her nightly activities. She was not fussy with whom she bed. As long as he has a face and body that pleased her eye, she would welcome him.

"Ah, here you are Hannah," said George as she entered the drawing room.

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I present my beautiful baby sister, Hannah".

Hannah curtseyed, then went with her brother circulating the room for more introduction.

It was just a sea of faces, but she tried very hard to memorize every one of the guest.

One of them was the Duke of Clarendon. He was an aloof type who wore a bored expression as if condemning the society. Hannah did not speak to him, and neither did he to her. She watched him for afar, finding him very handsome.

Tall, lean, with not an ounce of fat
on him. He sported moustache and beard, his hair a bit long and ruffled which gave him the look of a buccaneer. Hannah imagined him in bed with her and instantly felt moist between her leg, but she shook if off. Someone as rich and important as the Duke would never look at a plain girl such as her.