Chapter 12

Maureen was sitting at the dining-room table with Sylvia, finishing breakfast when William came in with the telegram.

"It's for you, Miss Maureen," he murmured, placing it beside her plate.

Somewhat surprised, she tore it open quickly: it was from Mason Loking in New York. She frowned. The message was brief and to the point.

Maureen, please come back immediately. You will be paid for the time you have been away and you are promoted too with salary increase. We need you. Everyone needs you. I need you. Come back now.

Mason Loking

Maureen smiled as she read it. "It's from my old boss," she told her aunt, "he wants me to go back right away."

"Are you going?"

Maureen was thoughtful, then she nodded. "Yes, I think so." She met her aunt's eyes, "but I'll come back if I'm welcome."

Sylvia smiled. "You'll be welcome," she whispered. "I can't think of anyone more fitted for Blythe House!" There was an enigmatic expression in her eyes.

Maureen flushed, then murmured: "I-I'll take that as a compliment."

"That's the way I meant it."

Jennie helped Maureen pack. "I-I hope you'll come back, Maureen."

"Oh but I will," said Maureen, looking at herself in the mirror. Everything she wore was new. And she was new, felt new. There was a change in her, both in looks and attitude. She would no longer let others use her. That part of her life was over. From now on, she called the shots. With men and women. She knew how to handle herself. It would never be the same as before. Maureen was different now. And was Mason Loking in for a surprise.

"You're all packed, Maureen." said Jennie. "Shall I tell Blake to get the car?"

"In a minute, Jennie." Maureen spoke very softly. "You're so very sweet." She pulled the maid to her and kissed her on the lips, probing into her mouth with her tongue. She felt Jennie respond, getting hotter, worked-up.

"You'll be back?" asked Jennie, passionately, when Maureen had released her.

"I promise."

She had said her goodbyes; now, she walked out of the front door where Blake was waiting with the Lincoln.

She climbed in and settled herself comfortably as Blake drove toward the station.

"When are you coming back?"

She looked at the back of his head, knowing his thoughts.

"I don't know."

"But you are coming back?"

Maureen smiled. "Oh, yes."

He sighed with relief. "It's been a pleasure having you here."

"Thank you. Oh, by the way, did you enjoy it the other night?"

His eyes met hers in the rear-view mirror.

"Enjoy what, Miss Maureen?" His voice was uneven.

"You know what I mean-"

He shook his head.

"I was quite conscious when you screwed me." Blake's face twitched. "No!" It was a strangled sound.

"I knew everything you did," Maureen breathed. "Did you like fucking my high-class cunt? Was it better than Jennie? Better than low-class cunts?"

"Maureen-I-I-"

"Don't worry, Blake. I know all about you, but I won't mention it to anyone. As long as you do what I say and what my aunt says."

He gasped for breath. They were almost at the station.

"I-I understand!"

He unloaded Maureen's luggage, carried it to the platform, and then stood still, waiting.

"Thank you, Blake." Maureen hesitated, then: "I enjoyed it with you." She looked at his face. "I'd never have let you do it if I hadn't!"

Then the train was in front of her and she was getting in, Blake following with her bags, placing j them on the rack.

"Goodbye. And have a good trip and come back soon." Then he turned quickly and hurried down the aisle.

Maureen moved to the window, saw him j half-running across the platform, then she sat down in her seat as the train began to move.

She pushed Blythe House and its occupants out J of her mind. She thought about New York and I Mason Loking. Smiling, with pleasurable j anticipation. He'd never know what hit him.

She closed her eyes and fell asleep with a smile on her young, innocent face.