Chapter 2: The Castle

Gathering my purse and draping a lightweight cape over my shoulders, I rode the lift down to the lobby to anxiously await my transportation. At precisely seven o'clock a distinguished looking gentleman in livery entered, and after a few words with the desk clerk, approached me. "Ms. Goodman, he said, "I've been dispatched to provide your transportation. If you would please follow me..." With that he escorted me out to a new shiny black Bentley parked at curb. After graciously handing me into the rear seat, he pulled easily into the heavy early-evening traffic. The Bentley purred quietly through the city streets and twenty minutes later we found ourselves on a motorway, cruising through the rolling English countryside toward East Anglia.

After another fifty minutes we turned in through an unmarked but impressive stone gate, cruising quietly along a paved tree-lined drive that traversed an obviously large country estate. It seemed as though we traveled several hundred yards before we reached a huge stone mansion surrounded by manicured lawns, well-tended shrubs and colorful flowerbeds. A parking lot at the side of the building already contained a dozen or so very expensive cars.

Pulling in under the portico, the driver glided to a stop at the main entrance where a uniformed doorman moved quickly to the car. "Welcome to the Castle, madam" he said, assisting me out of the car. Guiding me to the massive oak front door he said, "Ms. Marianne, our manager, will be waiting for you at the front desk, Ms. Goodman."

Entering the sumptuous lobby area, I was met by a stunning flame-haired woman about my own age. Smiling warmly, she said "Good evening and welcome, Alex." Noticing my quizzical expression at her sudden informality, she explained, "We only use first names at here at The Castle to protect our members anonymity. My name is Marianne. I'll be assisting you in completing your membership application and explaining our rules and customs." With that she took me by the elbow and guided me into her office.

Indicating that I should take a seat beside her desk, she opened a file folder and quickly scanned its contents. Looking up at me, she smiled and said, "I'm not sure how much Ellen told you about The Castle but before we go further, let me be sure you understand just what type of club this is. First of all, the entire ground floor is open to the general public; this includes the main restaurant, a public bar, a health club, and a gift shop. However, the remainder of the building is reserved for our members. Ellen and your sponsor both hold lifetime memberships in this group. The activities conducted in this area are, shall we say, extremely uninhibited. Before I can precede any further, you must swear never to divulge anything you see or do on these premises. Considering these conditions, do you still wish to learn more about our organization?"

"Yes, I'm very much intrigued by the small amount Ellen was at liberty to tell me regarding your club. Ellen and I have been very close friends for many years, so I'm sure I'll fit nicely into your group as our tastes are very similar," I replied.

"I'm so glad to hear that, although I was sure that, given my knowledge of your sponsors, you would feel that way. If you would just sign and date this confidentiality agreement, we can quickly finish the remaining orientation." Scanning the document and seeing that it was a pretty standard non-disclosure form, I signed it and slid it back across her desk. Marianne placed it in my folder then leaned back in her chair and, with a warm smile, began.

"As I hinted previously, this is an exclusive, secret club where our members can relax and indulge in sexual behavior not necessarily acceptable in our present society. As a member, you will not be required to join in all aspects of other member's activities but you will be expected to be open minded and tolerant of their activities."

"However, the one activity you will be required to engage in is an initiation ceremony designed to determine your compatibility with our group. This will require you to engage in certain sexual activities, in full view of other members. You will not be forced to do anything you find distasteful and may stop the proceedings at any time. Of course, if you decline to participate or fail to complete the initiation ceremony, your application will be disapproved and you will be denied membership. Do you have any questions about what I have covered thus far?"

"No, Ellen mentioned that there would be such an initiation and indicated that she thoroughly enjoyed her experience. I doubt that I will have any problems with that requirement," I replied.

"In that case, there is a initiation scheduled this evening for another applicant and, if you wish, you could be included in that session. Is there any sexual activity you find especially abhorrent?" Marianne asked.

"Well, as long as it doesn't involve pain, I'm game for about anything," I responded with a smile.

"I can assure you that there will be no pain involved, our members are much more interested in giving and receiving pleasure. By the way, I assume you are on some sort of birth control?"