by Jenny Frame
She gave her mum a kiss and a hug. “I’ll be back soon, Mum.”
On her way out she saw the sister in charge. “I can be reached at any time and I’ll come straight back.”
“Don’t worry, Your Grace. We’ll look after her. Enjoy your few days away,” said Sister.
Clementine walked to the front door and put up her umbrella before descending the steps from the nursing home.
The rain was back with a vengeance, and if this summer didn’t show the effects of global warming, she didn’t know what did. They had been going from some of the hottest days on record to torrential rain and storms, from one day to the next. Meeting Evan and Cassia Fox had educated her to the problems, and their activism was certainly rubbing off on her.
Evan and her green Beetle were waiting at the bottom of the steps. Evan jumped out and hurried around to open the door for Clementine.
“You didn’t have to get out in this rain,” Clementine said.
“Good manners cost nothing, m’lady. Now get in and we’ll be off, Your Grace.”
When Evan started the engine, Clementine said, “No romantic audiobook this time?”
“No need. I’m living my romance story right now.”
That comment left Clementine dumbfounded. She’s serious.
They were soon off on the road to London. Clementine couldn’t wait to see where Evan lived. When they pulled into the gated driveway of what looked like an old building, she couldn’t have been more surprised. The building called Garden Mews was sectioned off into modest flats, by the look of it. At the side of the building was a line of garages, and Evan pulled her car into one.
“This is not what I was expecting, Foxy,” Clementine said.
“What were you expecting?”
“I don’t know, a dockside penthouse or something?”
“Nah. That’s not me. I like life simple. This building used to be a baker’s. It’s been here for over a hundred years, but it’s been made into flats.”
Evan was the most down-to-earth businesswoman she had ever come across and, despite her flash, enthusiastic nature, was extremely humble.
“Which one’s yours?” Clementine asked.
“Bottom floor. Here.” Evan reached into her pocket and handed a set of keys to Clementine. “You take these. The fob will get you into the lobby. I’ll bring in the bags, save you from getting wet.”
“A true gent.”
Evan smiled and saluted her. “I always aim to please, m’lady.”
Clementine ran for the lobby area and waited for Evan. She came in drenched from the rain.
“You’re soaking wet,” Clementine said.
“It’s okay. I’m not made of sugar. Let’s get inside.”
Evan opened the door and led Clementine into a large airy flat. From the front door you walked into an open-plan living area. The kitchen was on the other side of the large open space, with a breakfast table beside it. A pool table, a vintage arcade machine, and a pinball table sat in the living area. Above them was a balcony which you got to by a spiral staircase.
“This is so sweet.”
“Head up, and I’ll bring the bags.”
Clementine walked upstairs and saw it was actually quite a big space, as the large bed must have been super king size.
Evan plonked the bags down and said, “What do you think?”
“It’s so cosy. No wonder you like it here. So different from Rosebrook.”
“Yeah, it’s been great having you with me at Rosebrook.” Evan clapped her hands together. “So what do you fancy tonight? Dinner out at the best restaurant London has, and then drinks at a swanky lesbian wine bar I know, or—”
Clementine wrapped her arms around Evan’s neck. “Or?”
“Or we have takeaway dinner and cosy down here for the night.”
Clementine smiled, then kissed Evan lightly on the lips. “I think takeaway and cosiness sound perfect.”
“I was hoping you’d say that.”
* * *
Later they lay in bed with some soft romantic music playing in the background. Evan was in heaven, with Clementine lying with her head on Evan’s chest.
Evan stroked Clementine’s hair and let out a contented sigh.
“What was that for?” Clementine asked.
“It was contentment and happiness. We eat a quick dinner, forgo the movie, and you drag me to bed. What could make me happier?”
“You didn’t take much convincing.” Clementine kissed her chest. “Besides I’ve got a lot of time to make up for. Before you came along, I hadn’t had sex in six years.”
“Six years? Well, I’m glad I’m young and fit to be able to service your needs, m’lady.”
Clementine leaned up on her elbow. “Ooh, you make it sound like you’re the gardener who’s attending to the lonely lady of the manor. Sexy.”
Evan reached up and stroked Clementine’s cheek. “You know I do have toys for adults if you’re interested in making up for lost time.”
“Okay, I’m game to try anything with my toy boy.”
Clementine laughed as Evan jumped up like a shot and hurried over to the wardrobe, then the bathroom. She came back with a distinctive bulge in her underwear, and Clementine groaned internally while a heavy beat started inside.
Evan jumped under the covers quickly, suddenly looking a little unsure of herself. “Uh, this is new, by the way. I haven’t—”
Clementine touched Evan’s chest and drew her fingernails down her sensitized skin. “What’s wrong? Are you uncomfortable or something?”
“No, I bought this last year. I always wanted to use one, but there was never the opportunity. I mean, I only went on first or second dates at the most, and it’s not really something you bring up on a second date and—”
Evan was babbling because she was nervous. Clementine could see their difference in age now. Evan liked strong women, so she would be that for her.
She pushed Evan onto her back and straddled her.
“Clem, I’m not—”
Clementine leaned over and kissed Evan sweetly. “I know you like to be on top, Foxy, but I think you need the older lady of the manor to teach you how to make love with this.”
Evan groaned. Oh God. Clementine had read her mind. Since Evan had begun staying at Rosebrook, she’d had a few fantasies of Clementine in her role as duchess.
“You read my mind, Your Grace. I’ve had a few fantasies.”
“Oh? What about?”
“Just like you said. You as duchess calling your gardener or workman to her room to service her.” Evan grinned.
Clementine’s eyes lit up. “Oh, really?” Clementine traced her nail along her lips. “I’ve called you to my room, and…what?”
“You say ‘get undressed and lie on the bed’ and use me for your own wicked purposes.” Evan couldn’t help but smile.
“Oh, naughty.” Clementine kissed her deeply, sliding her tongue into Evan’s mouth.
Evan felt Clementine lift her hips and ease the tip of the strap-on inside her. Evan kept her hips still for the moment and allowed Clementine to set her own pace.
Clementine lowered her hips inch by inch, until she let out a long groan. “Oh, you’re quite big, aren’t you?”
“Yes, ma’am.” Evan tried to sound as deferential as she could.
Evan couldn’t be more turned on. She was inside Clementine, and she was beginning to move her hips. Evan let herself do the same until their rhythms matched.
“God, this feels amazing,” Evan said.
“Yes.” Clementine put her hands on either side of Evan’s head and closed her eyes. “You feel good inside me.”
Clementine’s words were enough for Evan’s orgasm to build fast, and she knew what she was doing. Clementine sat up again and ground her hips down on Evan, making the base of the strap-on tightly rub against her clit.
Evan arched her back, thrusting against Clementine even more. “Jesus, you can use my cock anytime, m’lady.”
&nb
sp; Clementine moaned when she said that and started to thrust up and down faster. “I hope that’s a promise, gardener.”
“Promise.” Evan put her hands on Clementine’s hips, holding her tightly as they thrust faster towards orgasm.
Orgasm came up on Evan suddenly, and she lost control. “Fuck, I’m coming. Sorry.”
Evan’s hips moved erratically as her orgasm washed over her. She tried to pull Clementine’s hips and push as deeply as she could inside her. She tried to catch her breath, but her sex was still on fire.
Evan looked up and saw Clementine, her eyes screwed shut and pleasure etched on her face. Just when Evan thought Clem was going to come, she said, “Need more.”
Evan wasn’t quite sure what she meant.
Clementine slowed her thrusts and opened her eyes. “I need something else from you.”
“Anything,” Evan said.
Clementine eased the strap-on out and moved onto all fours. Evan’s mouth dried up. “I need your cock deeper.”
“Jesus, yes.” Evan supposed this was the plus side of going out with a slightly older woman. She knew exactly what she wanted. Evan jumped up and grasped Clementine’s hips. “God, you’re fulfilling all of my fantasies in one day.”
Clementine looked back at her and said, “Make me come.”
Evan didn’t waste any time. She wanted to be inside her again. She held the strap-on, and this time it slipped in easily as Clementine was so wet.
Evan groaned as Clementine took her all the way in. “You’re so wet.”
She started softly, getting used to the feel of it. Clementine’s hips were moving quicker. Evan loved the sight of taking her from behind. She sped up to match Clementine.
“I need you to be deep, Foxy.”
Evan could feel herself building up to an orgasm again. “Yes.”
She was losing herself in Clementine, going faster and harder as Clementine demanded.
Soon Clementine was groaning loudly, until she threw her head back and cried out. Evan followed with an even more intense orgasm than her first. They both fell to the bed, breathing hard.
“That was so fucking good,” Evan said.
“Language, Foxy.” Clementine smiled and stroked Evan’s face. “No one has ever touched me like you do.”
Evan’s heart sped up. She knew this was her moment to say what was in her heart. “I love you.”
Clementine looked unsure, but Evan kissed her lips. “It’s all right. You don’t need to say anything.”
“I do. I’m sorry I pull away from you every time we’re around the villagers. I’m just scared.”
“I’ll chase that fear away. The glass doesn’t have to be half empty any more. When I’m around you, it’s half full.”
“I love you, Evan,” Clementine said.
Evan felt like her chest might burst. “Thank you for being brave. I love you.”
Chapter Nineteen
“This is beautiful, Evan.”
Clementine was overawed by the grand foyer of Fox Toys. They had enjoyed breakfast at a local coffee shop and then taken the Tube to Evan’s company headquarters. There were no flash chauffeur-driven cars for Evan Fox. It wasn’t her style, and Clementine admired that.
“It’s a bit special, isn’t it? Archie helped make the place over once my dad retired. I wanted to bring the outside indoors.”
“It’s like Kew Gardens or something.”
Evan took her hand and said, “Before we go upstairs, there’s someone I’d like you to meet.”
She followed Evan to a secured doorway just off the foyer. Once they were inside it was clear this was for children. There were murals on the wall, many featuring the character of Mr. Fox.
Evan rang a buzzer on the inner door and the door was unlocked. The noise of children’s chatter and laughter came out loud and clear.
“This is our staff nursery. I wanted you to meet the manager, Jess. She’s a university friend of mine. When we opened this place, I asked her if she would come and manage it for us.”
Clementine walked into the nursery. It was big, with different coloured areas for different kinds of play, she guessed. “This place looks wonderful. Does it cost a lot for the parents?”
“Not a penny. It’s a perk of working for Fox Toys,” Evan told her.
“Really? Because childcare costs a fortune.”
“I know. Mum and I wanted to create an environment for women where childcare wasn’t an issue and didn’t hold women back in our workforce. It works. We have far fewer absences from the parents, knowing that they can bring their kids here.”
Something caught Clementine’s eye. She saw two dogs walking about with the children as they played.
“You have dogs?” Clementine asked.
“Those are our service dogs. Remember I told you we have a service dog trust?”
Clementine nodded.
“We have a few children with special needs or autism. Our dogs come here every day to help the children get through their day.”
“That’s a wonderful thing.”
A good-looking brown haired woman in a Fox nursery T-shirt came walking up to them. “Fox, you’ve come back from the country.”
“Yes, I’d like to introduce you to my friend, Clementine, Duchess of Rosebrook.”
“Pleased to meet you, Your Grace. I’m Jess.”
“Call me Clementine, please. Nice to meet you, Jess. You have a wonderful facility here.”
Jess looked around and smiled. “We’re very proud of it. Come and I’ll show you around. We were just about to start story time.”
“Yes! I love story time,” Evan said.
Clementine smiled and shook her head. Evan was a big kid in dapper clothing.
* * *
After enjoying a story with the children. Evan escorted Clementine upstairs to her office. She had felt so proud showing Clementine the building and the nursery. Clem really seemed to understand what they were trying to do here. The lift doors opened and they walked out onto her office floor.
Violet immediately stood up and had a big smile on her face. She knew Violet was excited to be meeting a duchess.
“Clem, come and meet the other strong woman who tries to keep my feet on the ground—Violet, my PA.”
They shook hands and Violet said, “It’s an honour to meet you, Your Grace.”
“It’s wonderful to meet you. Evan has told me all about you and that you try to keep her on the straight and narrow.”
“I don’t always succeed, but I try, Your Grace.”
“Is the conference room prepared for the interviews?” Evan asked.
“All ready. Shall I organize for tea in your office for the duchess?” Violet said.
“Please. Come and see my office, Your Graceship.” She led Clementine into her office and said, “Before you say anything, let me do one thing.”
Evan raced over to the desk, pressed a button, and her train started to move around the track on the walls.
Clementine started laughing. “You see, this is what I thought you’d turn the Rosebrook office into.”
“I do have some decorum,” Evan joked.
Clementine pointed to her trampoline and said, “You’ve even got your precious trampoline.”
“You’re not seeing it to its best advantage. Give me a sec.” Evan grabbed her mini basketball off the floor and bounced onto her trampoline. “This is what makes it so good. Look.” Evan pointed to the basketball hoop on the wall and, as she bounced, threw the ball into it.
“You, Foxy, are the biggest child I know.” Clementine laughed.
“I take that as a compliment. Fancy a bounce?”
* * *
Three hours later they had seen nineteen of the twenty applicants and were up to the last couple. Clementine looked down at her notepad to refresh her memory about their application.
Most of the individuals and families they had seen were interested because of the environmental aspect of the village they were trying to create,
but the couple that they were interviewing now had different reasons.
Blake Campbell and Eliska Novak were quite different from each other. Blake did all the talking while Eliska sat there like a little mouse. There was great pain in Eliska’s eyes.
Evan led the questioning. “Blake, you are a doctor with the Red Cross?”
“Yes, that’s how I met Eliska. We were working in Ustana, trying to help those caught up in the civil war. I managed to get Eliska and her daughter out of there and granted asylum here in Britain.”
Clementine jumped in, “You have a daughter, Eliska?”
Eliska looked to Blake, who smiled and nodded to her. She wrung her hands nervously and said in her accented English, “Yes, she is eleven.”
Blake took her hand again. Clementine was impressed with Blake’s care of her partner. She was so protective and gentle.
“Why do you want to be part of our community?” Clementine asked.
Blake answered, “Eliska and her daughter have been through a long asylum process and now have been given leave to stay. They, sorry, we need to heal, and when I saw your advert about building a community that’s safe for LGBTQ people, I thought it was ideal. Where Eliska came from was the polar opposite to that. I want them to feel safe, and we have a lot to contribute. Eliska is a nurse, and I’m a doctor.”
The tension and nervousness the two were exhibiting showed how much this meant to them. Clementine didn’t want to give their standard reply, that they’d hear the committee’s decision by letter in a week. Blake and Eliska needed security and hope now.
“Would you give us a moment?” Clementine got up and signalled to Evan to follow her.
“What is it, Clem,” Evan asked.
“I want this couple to get the first available cottage. They need it, and I want to tell them now, not have them nervously waiting. They need hope now.”
“Fine by me. Let’s do it.”
They walked backed to the table and Clementine said, “We’d like to offer you a place in our village.”
“Thank you,” Blake said before hugging Eliska.
Evan continued, “The cottages aren’t finished yet, but we’ll put you down for the first one. You’ll be in well before Christmas.”
