After Guy having raped me, my mind was in turmoil.

The shame I’d felt was all the deeper, knowing I had allowed myself to enjoy it! I’d climaxed heavily as Guy had shot his load in me! For the first time in my life I knew how it felt to be a slut.

I needed to get outdoors, so I’d dressed in hiking skirt and boots and taken off for a walk over the Sussex Downs. Being a fine day the view from the Downs was spectacular and looking out onto the seascape I recognised the pier at Brighton; a place of carefree times together; but now there was an ungodly sin between us.

I turned homeward; then before long encountered a dog-walker who’s large hound bounded up to me. Catching me off guard he snouted up my short hiking-skirt; taking a whiff of my snatch! I felt humiliated by its owners gaze; feeling sure the dog had recognised the lingering smell of a slut.

When I returned home; intending to face up to my son, I found only his note saying he was sorry for what he’d done; and that he’d gone to stay with Ralph at the Manor. Guy’s message soothed me somehow; helped lessen my sin; made heaven still a possibility.

That afternoon as I sunbathed alone in the garden; a stiff drink by my side, I felt Guy’s actions had ended a long period of emotional isolation for me. Suddenly I felt more alive being at the centre of something real happing in my life. Actually I needed to see Guy: to talk and to start afresh together. Because without him I was simply alone.

Then out of the blue with the afternoon Post, came a letter by special delivery. In the kitchen I stared curiously at the well scripted envelope. I then opened it and found it impressively headed:

Iris Carlton- Hawes - Carlton Manor – East Sussex.

6th April

Dear Margot Chiverton.
I do hope you will welcome this letter.
Guy asked if I would let you know that he’s OK but missing you.
He’s been worried over the scrap you had together last week.
Guy and Ralph share their lives together almost like brothers.
I regard Guy as a wonderful chap and so enjoy his company here at Carlton Manor. In fact Guy has asked me if he could work here at the manor?
I am thrilled at the prospect as your son could be invaluable here.
But naturally that is for you to decide.
So would you accept my invitation to stay with us soon, giving you an opportunity to see for yourself if Guy is making a wise choice?
May I share something personal with you Mrs Chiverton?
With my Ralph’s passage through adolescence, I found our relationship altered. Suddenly there’s a man about the house, if you see what I mean.
Unsettling at first but handled carefully, can be very gratifying.
Perhaps there’s some common ground we could share together here?
I would so much like to meet you and it would be wonderful if you could visit Carlton Manor and stay with us soon.
Yours Sincerely

Iris Carlton-Hawes

Iris and I were reclining in sun chairs, secluded by shrubs and flowers, within the grounds of Carlton Manor. My earlier reunion with Guy had been surprisingly painless. He seemed more concerned over introducing me to Ralph whom he clearly idolised. Then the pair had set off for the village on some carefree escapade.

I found Iris an attractive woman with fair bubbly hair and hazel eyes that sparkled while she spoke. Her voice had that unmistakable breeding; even dressed casually failed to conceal her fine shapely figure or her clear county accent.

“There’s plenty for Guy to take on here Margot.” Iris was saying, “The war-effort took the last of our workers away some while ago.” As I listened, I felt naturally at ease with her and found her enthusiasm in the face of austerity infectious.

“Oh Margot, There’s 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 the war but with the price of hay in the winter...”

“Is your husband in the war Iris?” I asked cautiously. There was an uncomfortable silence before she answered. “Ronald was lost at sea over six months ago Margot.” 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 Margot ... 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 manor to me. “Ronald and I took over the manor 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 war 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 also lonely and fed up to be honest.” She paused with a look of wry bitterness. “Or to speak plainly Margot. I became sex-starved.” Iris looks at me boldly,” Tell me Margot, has life today deprived you of sex?”

I put down my glass; surprised at her candour. Yet suddenly I felt activated. “Why damit 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 Margot?” And placing a hand on my thigh added, “Margot, I will not even tell you some of the evil thoughts I’ve had when alone with my stallion! 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 then said softly, “Then to complicate matters we get the needs of a growing boy? Boys anxious to be men?”