Chapter 2

Ranch House

Iris and I were reclining in sun chairs, secluded by shrubs and flowers. Here within the grounds of the Ranch house, life felt far from the madness of life.

After my reunion with Guy earlier, the lads had both set off to join a cricket match.

Now we could chat about Guy’s expectations of working at the ranch.

I found Iris an attractive woman with fair bubbly hair and hazel eyes that sparkled while she spoke. Her voice had unmistakable breeding and the work-shirt she wore failed to conceal her fine shapely figure.

“There’s plenty for Guy to take on here Margo.” Iris was saying, “City jobs and mines took the last of our workers away some while back.”

As I listened, I felt naturally at ease with her and found her enthusiasm in the face of austerity infectious. “Oh Margo, There is so much I want to show you here. It’s an ideal place for our lads to share together this summer.

I’m sure you’ll feel the same in a day or so and I have a lovely little room ready for you.”

Iris would have to be in her mid thirties like myself yet had that confidence of a woman in control. She was wearing jodhpurs and as we came up to the stable yard it occurred to me she rode horses. “Do you ride much Iris?” I asked peering into the stable.

“Only a hack round the lanes when the weather’s OK; how about yourself?”

“Well, I sometimes get my bike out on a fine day.” I quipped, “How many horses are there?” I inquired.

Iris laughed, “Only my gelding now, he’s grazing in the meadow: several were stabled here before but with the price of hay in the winter...”

“Is your husband still alive Iris?” I asked cautiously.

There was an uncomfortable silence before she answered. “Ronald was lost at sea over six months ago Margo.” She replied evenly.

“I’m so sorry.” I mumbled awkwardly, my blunder causing me to blush.

Iris slid her hand through my arm. It’s OK Margo ... really, she said simply, “Come on! Lets show you the kitchen garden.”

Later, in the cool of the library we relaxed into deep cushioned armchairs and with each of us holding a generous glass of brandy Iris took a deep sigh and began quietly recounting her life at the ranch to me.

“Ronald and I took over the ranch when we married. It was a bit run down. But we got things going; and Ralph was born.” Iris sighed at fond memories. “The place became busy with people working and we were happy with how things were shaping up. Then the crash came.”

Iris paused to sip her brandy and I remained silent; knowing she had more to say.

“The Navy recalled Simon and before long I hardly saw him. Oh, the occasional flurry of leave; then a return to the prudence of widowhood. I missed Ronald; but I was lonely and fed up to be honest.”

She paused with a look of wry bitterness. “Or to speak plainly Margo. I became sex-starved.” Iris looks at me boldly,” Tell me Margo, has life deprived you of sex?”

I put down my glass; surprised at her candour. Yet suddenly I felt activated. “Why Dammit Iris, Yes It has!” I declared wryly, “ I’ve been starved of sex! Why I even get envious if I see dogs at it in the street! “ I said unflinchingly.”

Iris laughed mirthlessly, “Like a bitch on heat Margo?”

And placing a hand on my thigh added, “Margo, I will not even tell you some of the evil thoughts I’ve had when alone with a stallion that’s ready to fuck? But what’s a girl to do with her pent up urges?”

Grinning mischievously together my hand went over hers and our eyes met with a special trust. Iris said softly, “Then to complicate matters more, we get the needs of a growing boy.”

I held my breath as she paused to sip her brandy before saying kindly, “It’s aright Margo, I do know how boys get out of hand at home ... Guy’s got himself into a passion over you; hasn’t he Margo.”

My heart skipped a beat and I simply stared at her but suddenly I knew it was confession time for me.

As I spoke I felt a surge of relief wash aside my shame.

“It wasn’t even Guy’s fault really Iris. I was half naked when I accidentally disturbed Guy in my bedroom; he was ... masturbating.

It stunned me a little; seeing his muscular body that way.”

I looked up to Iris for her reaction.

She simply gave me an encouraging little smile with a nod to continue:

“Well; we cuddled and then kissed and I ... I helped him finish.

Iris stared agog, “Then what Margo?”

“That was all at the time; I left him to cool off. The trouble was the following day.” “How do you mean?” Iris breathed.

“Guy caught me off guard in my robe and became amorous again...

But now he said he wanted me as a lover not a mother!...

I told him that was wrong Iris!

Guy got overexcited; I tried to stop him but then, I had to give in ... he fucked me Iris!”

Her comforting hand came to my shoulder and she murmured the unexpected;

“Did you reach a climax with him Margo?”

My eyes filled,” Oh Iris, I’m so ashamed; I did; an almighty one too!” I cried.