‘We hadn’t done much after that nudey beach in France except at home. We like to be nudey at home, don’t we, Jason?’
‘Yes. Tiffy doesn’t want us to go to beaches and resorts here at New Albion, though,’ Jason added. ‘She’s a primary school teacher and if anyone found out and reported her, she’s worried that it’d be detrimental to her career.’
‘That’s a tough one,’ Ella commented. ‘Lots of people would be more social if they weren’t concerned about the opinions and actions of others who don’t understand naturism. It takes a lot to announce naturism to the world. Even I, the most dedicated of social nudists, don’t let people at work know, for instance. Right, Charley?’
‘Right. Ella and I have been close friends at work for years, but she never let on until recently, Tiffy.’
‘It’s all a matter of personal circumstances and preferences,’ Ella continued. ‘But Tiffy, why do you keep saying “nudey” and not nudist or naturist?’
Jason smiled. ‘Tiffy thinks that if we don’t actually say the words, it’ll help to keep things secret.’
Tiffy nodded. ‘Crazy, I know.’ They all laughed.
*
At dinner, Jake had been regaling the guests with a long-winded tale of one of his photo journalist exploits.
‘You look like the cat that got the cream, Dana.’ he remarked when he’d finished his tale. ‘Anything you want to share?’
With a smile, Dana told them of her new man; well not exactly new as she’d known him since she started working at the Travel Shop two years go, but new in terms of her relationships.
‘So you actually told him everything?’ Lucy asked. ‘How did he take?’
‘He was stunned, I think. Not so much that I’m a naturist, more that he may have to join in. I’m not sure he’s ready for that or ever will be. It’s not so much the nudity that bothers him though.’
‘Oh?’ Charlotte prompted.
‘He’s black,’ Molly muttered. ‘He’ll stand out from the crowd for sure.’
‘And what?’ Lucy argued. ‘Invite him to Serendip next time we go.’
‘That will be next Sunday for us,’ Charlotte told them. ‘Who’s coming? Let’s make a day of it before the cooler weather sets in.’
*
‘Well Dana may be pleased with herself. But not everyone is it appears. Molly, are you OK?’ Charlotte asked. ‘You’re quiet this evening. It’s not like you.’ Molly and Dana had arrived together a short while after the others. Molly had again worked a lunchtime shift at her restaurant to be able to come this evening, even though she was feeling far from sociable. Dana had noticed this on the way but couldn’t get out of Molly whatever was bothering her.
‘Oh, you know, a few things on my mind, that’s all. It’s been a busy day, a busy week in fact.’
‘I know you had a great time in Pereval earlier this week,’ Lucy commented. ‘Is it possible that you have Justin on your mind too?' she teased.
‘No, that’s not it at all,’ Molly whispered.
‘Molly?’ Charlotte asked, concerned.
‘It’s over between Justin and me. Not that anything had actually begun,’ she said quietly, her head down.
‘Oh Molly, we’re all really sorry to her that. We were hoping that you two would get together,’ Lucy told her. ‘Did something go wrong?’
Molly shook her head, still looking down. They realised she was in distress.
Charlotte rose and went round to her. ‘Molly, are you OK?’
Molly glanced up and around the table, tears in her eyes. ‘I’m pregnant,’ she gulped. She began to sob.
PART FOUR
Chapter 58
AS Charlotte had announced at their dinner party, the following weekend she and Todd planned to catch the last of the summer at Serendip Beach. Their plans were foiled however when Ella phoned Charlotte on Monday afternoon to tell her that she and Todd had been invited to a swim and barbeque on Sunday afternoon at the home of the president of Hallowed Hollow Naturist Club.
‘It’s very casual and clothing optional,’ Ella told Charlotte, ‘but I’ve rarely seen anyone dressed for more than the first hour, even the non-naturists that are occasionally invited.’
‘Non-naturists? I’m just trying to imagine how I would’ve reacted a few months ago if I found myself at a clothing optional do!’
‘They’ll have been warned in advance, don’t worry. Henry and Una are very precise people and they wouldn’t appreciate unwanted surprises for unsuspecting guests.’
‘Well, it’s very kind to have been included. I guess you had something to do with that, right?’
‘Partly but not entirely,’ Ella replied mysteriously. ‘Henry and Una host a barbeque at this time every year to celebrate the end of the summer,’ Ella hurried on. ‘They also hold one at the beginning of the season too on or around 29 March, in honour of Saint Gladys the Nudist.’
‘Saint Gladys the Nudist?’ Charlotte guffawed. ‘Are you serious? Who was she?’
‘Apparently she was the legendary wife of a Welsh Chieftain who, when he died, became a recluse and roamed the Welsh hills and swam the Welsh lakes totally nude. Well, that’s the legend anyway.’
‘Unbelievable! But it sounds a fantastic way to live!’
‘A great excuse for a party too. So you’ll come on Sunday?’
‘I’ll speak to Todd but I’m sure we’ll be there. I’m looking forward to it already.’
‘Great! You’ll definitely get a lot out of it. Bye for now.’ Ella closed the call with a smile.
*
‘So what do you think about Ella’s invitation to the naturist resort president’s barbie on Sunday, Darling?’
‘OK by me, Angel. It could be fun and we’ll get to meet new people.’
‘Naked people at that!’ Charlotte added.
‘Are you OK with that? Worried about seeing someone you know?’
‘A little.’
‘Me too. But as we’ve been saying, they’ll be nude too.’
‘I wonder who the president is. And what he’s like?’
‘Henry and Una is all I know,’ Charlotte replied.
‘We’ll find out on Sunday. Have patience until then. In the meantime, you want to watch some television? Or…?’
‘Or? Whatever do you mean? Hey, move back to your own end of the sofa, bud!’ she commanded with a grin.
‘Come on! You know you like it! A little tickle here, a little tickle there…’
She slapped his hand away with a giggle, then moved closer to Todd, rubbing her hand over his chest as his caressed her thigh, moving higher second by second.
Charlotte laughed. ‘It’s interesting being naked and able to watch your brain move around your body like this, Darling,’
‘Uh-huh,’ Todd grunted. His brain had evacuated his head completely.
Chapter 59
DETECTIVE Sergeant Jimmy Davies of Pereval Police and Detective Inspector Todd Mathersley of Wellingbury Police met after court on Wednesday morning for coffee; they both wore satisfied smiles. The case was over and all four of the drug gang in court that day that had been sentenced to several years in prison. The fifth member implicated in the case, Benjamin Spiralli, was of course already at Hardston Prison.
Todd and Charlotte had spent a lot of time at SimpliCity Naturist Resort while they were on holiday the previous month. When Dana’s boyfriend, Spiralli, had forced his way into SimpliCity where she had been hiding from him, Todd had intervened and Spiralli had been taken in by the police, leaving his truck at SimpliCity. As Todd drove the vehicle back to Pereval from the resort, unaware that drugs were hidden in the vehicle, a car with four drug gang members had tried to force him off the road. They came off worse, were arrested and the drugs discovered. The court case that day was to try them.
Both Jimmy and Todd had been cross-examined at length but their case was watertight. Martinez, their defence lawyer, had attempted to show that the four occupants of the car were pushed off the road by
Todd and were innocent, despite shots being fired at Todd from their car. The jury didn’t wear that line of defence and returned a verdict of guilty on all counts against all four defendants within thirty minutes.
‘This case has done neither of our careers any harm,’ Todd told Jimmy.
‘And that’s an understatement. I’m up for promotion to Inspector and I suspect it won’t be long before you’ll be moving up to Chief Inspector too.’
‘We’ll see. I’m OK for now,’ Todd answered, rising from the table
‘Well, you won’t be OK on Saturday morning, my friend,’ Jimmy informed him, as they headed outside into the still warm air.
Todd laughed. ‘See you on Friday evening for those long awaited drinks, Jimmy. And congratulations!’ he added, patting his old friend on the shoulder before turning and walking back to his office.
Chapter 60
‘That you, Scotty?’
Aye, Boss. I’m hearing rumours about that boy and a crazy Ukrainian named Durak. Somethings going on but I dinna ken what it is yet.’
‘Aye, I’m hearing the same rumours, Scotty. I hear Durak was given a hit to do when he was let out and he fucked it up. I hear it may have been Spiralli that called the hit on some poor wee lassie. Find out what you can from Durak. I’ve had him put in the same cell with Spiralli. Give him whatever he needs and make sure you’re his only supplier. I’ll let you know the plan soon enough.’
Jock Hamilton disconnected. My aquarium needs cleaning, Jock thought to himself. ‘Maggie! Come away in here a minute. I have a wee job for yoose.’
Chapter 61
TODD called round at his parent’s home late morning on Sunday as he often did. Charlotte wasn’t with him. He planned to let his folks know that they’d become naturists, especially now that Charlotte’s parents knew, and Charlotte didn’t want to be part of that conversation – she’d had enough stress on that subject. If he didn’t tell them now, they would probably find out soon enough from Patience and Fraser Duffy next time they were all together. Maybe sooner if Patience decided to phone his parents in an attempt to garner their anti-nudist support. He wasn’t looking forward to the revelation, but he wasn’t overly concerned either.
‘No Charlotte today?’ Lottie Mathersley asked.
‘No, not today, Mother. We’re out to a barbeque this afternoon and she’s preparing for that. She sends her love.’
‘Send our love back.’
‘Will do.’
‘Anywhere nice for the barbeque, Todd?’ Brigadier (retired) Cavendish Mathersley asked. At sixty-one, his military bearing was obvious and, with his height and silver swept-back hair, he maintained a distinguished appearance. He always dressed smartly, even at home.
‘Actually, it’s somewhere new for us. We’ve been invited to the end of summer bash at the home of the president of the Hallowed Hollow Naturist Resort.’ He mentally held his breath as that sunk in.
‘That’s a mouthful, dear,’ his mother commented as she folded laundry, clearly not really taking in what he’d said. She was six years younger than her husband and although she dressed up well for outings, around the house she simply wore her housecoat and slippers. Her tangled grey hair was, as usual, an unruly mess around her head.
‘Naturist?’ his father commented, eyebrows raised. ‘Have you both become naturists?’
‘Yes, while we were on holiday last month. We met some new friends and they introduced us.’
‘Do you mean nudists?’ Todd’s mother had caught up with the conversation at last.
‘D’you remember all those nudists in Germany when we were stationed there?’ his father asked, turning to Lottie.
‘Oh yes, but that was years ago. Wonder if they still do it there.’
‘Of course they do,’ Mr. Mathersley remarked. ‘It’s everywhere now. But it started in Germany, y’know.’
‘You know the history of naturism, Dad?’
‘Not really, but I know that much. So you both…do it?’
‘Yes, both of us.’
Lottie glanced up from what she was doing. ‘I just can’t imagine Charlotte romping around naked’
‘Well, whatever floats your boat, Todd,’ his father told him. ‘It’s your life. Just put something on when we’re with you…although Charlotte…’
’Cav! Don’t you dare say what I think you were about to say!’ Lottie admonished. Cavendish Mathersley chuckled and winked at Todd.
‘What about Patience and Fraser? Do they know?’ his mother asked.
‘They know,’ Todd replied grimly.
‘Bet Patience took it badly, eh?’ Lottie asked.
‘It couldn’t have been worse, mother,’ Todd admitted. ‘But she’ll come round in time.’
‘Don’t hold your breath,’ Cavendish Mathersley commented sagaciously.
‘Cup of tea, dear?’ Mrs. Mathersley asked Todd. ‘How’s work? Still as busy as ever?’
‘Yes, still the same,’ he replied. ‘Yes please. I’d love a cuppa.’
‘And I suppose you won’t say no to a slice of my apple pie, eh?’ she smiled.
So that was that, he thought to himself. Wasn’t that easy? He’d no doubt that they’d handle any approaches from Patience politely and firmly.
Chapter 62
CHARLOTTE and Todd arrived for the Hallowed Hollow Naturist Resort barbeque promptly at two o’clock on Sunday afternoon at the address Charlotte had been given by Ella. The house of the president of the naturist club was large and spacious, situated pleasantly in the green suburbs of Wellingbury, with a large private garden and an impressive pool. Ella was waiting at the front door for their arrival. Few other guests seemed to have arrived yet and Todd found a parking place inside the gates.
‘Hi Ella,’ Charlotte called as she climbed from the car. ‘I see that you’re already in the swing of things.’
Ella laughed as she came out to meet them. ‘Yes, although they’re walled in and try to maintain their privacy, Henry and Una don’t hide that they’re naturists. The neighbours are used to this now. And I’ve been here for a while helping to prepare food.’
‘I guess as club secretary you’re part of the team too,’ Todd commented.
‘Yes, very much so. They can’t do without my bread-buttering skills,’ she joked. ‘Come on in and I’ll show you where to leave your things. Take your time. Whenever you’re ready.’
‘Oh, I’m ready right now!’ Charlotte answered, already slipping out of her summer dress. ‘I’ll be joining you as fast as I possibly can!’
Todd shook his head, noting that as usual these days she wore no underwear. Who would’ve thought it a few months ago, he asked himself.
Ella and Charlotte laughed as they walked towards the steps to the wide front door. ‘What a lovely place,’ Charlotte commented, looking up at the house and around the front garden. She spied a car that seemed familiar. ‘Isn't that…no forget it. I’m going crazy.’
Ella gripped her arm. ‘Come on, in we go!’ She smiled secretly to herself as she followed them in.
*
Ella was barefoot, but Charlotte and Todd had brought light sandals. Strolling through the beautiful, spacious house, they took time to admire the expensive furnishings and fittings. Through the wide glass veranda doors, the large paved-stone patio bathed in late summer sunshine stretched before them, the swimming pool to the left and tables and chairs set up on the patio and lawn near to the barbeque. A chef dressed in white, complete with chef’s hat, was busy preparing food.
Ella introduced Todd and Charlotte to a few of the people that had arrived earlier and were already holding drinks and plates of nibbles. They were all ages and body shapes, from older people to young families with several kids splashing happily in the pool and noisily racing around the garden. They joined a small group including Scottish octogenarians Geoffrey and Vera, an elderly couple who claimed to have been naturists for over sixty years and Philippa, their daughter, smart, slim and sixty years young.
Also in
the group, a tall, heavy mature man with copious body hair and a button penis peeping out from beneath his enormous belly, introduced himself as Gordon and pumped their hands enthusiastically and cheerfully. He explained that he and his late wife had been members of the club for thirty years. ‘So how long have you been members?’ he asked Charlotte loudly.
‘Actually we haven’t joined yet,’ she replied hesitantly. ‘But we plan to, don’t we, Darling?’
It was the first he’d heard of it but Todd guessed it was inevitable. ‘Yes, that’s right. This is our first introductory event.’
‘Well, good to see you’ve joined in the spirit of it, young man,’ he said to Todd. ‘Do you know Henry and Una well? Did they invite you today?’
‘Actually, we haven’t met either of them. Ella here invited us. I expect we’ll meet them shortly.’
‘Ah, the ever-efficient Ella, our hard-working, long-suffering and gorgeous secretary!’ As he guffawed this loudly, he slung his arm around Ella’s shoulder and boisterously hugged her to him, almost causing her to unbalance, a drop of wine splashing out of her glass. As Ella grimaced and unglued herself from him, he seemed completely unaware of her discomfort as he pointed across the patio. ‘Well, you can meet Una now. There she is. Una!’ he bellowed.
A matronly lady in her late sixties with perfectly coiffured hair, circulating with a plate of cheese snacks, smiled and came over to the group.’
‘Una!’ Gordon announced noisily. ‘I hear that you haven’t met our young new recruits. This is…er...I’m sorry, what are your names again?’
Charlotte smiled. ‘Hello. I’m Charlotte and this is my husband Todd. I’m so pleased to meet you.’
‘Oh, so you’re the people Ella insisted we invite,’ she said smiling. ‘Welcome to our home. It’s a pleasure to have you here.’ She handed the plate she was carrying to a passing attendant. ‘Henry and I are delighted you could come. Ella has told us so much about both of you and we’re so pleased that you were able to help so much with recent problems with two of our lady members.’
The Naked Truth: Shall Set You Free (NEW ALBION Book 2) Page 13
