CHAPTER 69: TRY, TRY AGAIN

That night

Downton Village

The village was still as Thomas walked slowly to the Grantham Arms carrying the empty parcel. It had been Minnie's half day, so he hadn't seen her since their brief encounter after lunch when he agreed to a second attempt. And a third, fourth, and fifth, if that's what you need to feel ready, she declared. He knew she was trying to relieve the pressure, but her words made him feel like a second-hand car that refused to crank.

Thomas was accustomed to completing Minnie's duties on her free days, but today he had found the extra work overwhelming. His brain was filled to the brim. He was drowning in a sea of thoughts, yet unable to grab onto one long enough to save himself. Perhaps it was for the better. Perhaps his body would participate tonight if his brain did not.

"I'll turn off the lights from the beginning this time," Thomas informed no one in particular. The last time he had been with Ivor, they had turned off the lights. Turning off the lights was not their habit; there was too much to appreciate in each other's beauty. But Ivor suggested they turn off the lights and fill their other senses, and it was an exhilarating night. "That's what I'll do. I'll turn off the lights, not think, and imagine Ivor." Thomas realized he had spoken aloud and glanced about to see if anyone was listening. Fortunately, his side of the road was deserted, and the couple he spotted walking on the other side was not close enough to take notice.


Room 5
The Grantham Arms

Thomas checked his pocket watch, slipped it back in his pocket, and knocked lightly. The door opened, and he was confused by the dim light. Minnie pulled him inside and shut the door. "Hullo, Thomas."

"Hullo, Missus." Thomas saw that only one lamp was lit, and it was covered by a piece of fabric that Minnie must have brought from home.

Minnie took the parcel and set it aside. "We don't need this." Before Thomas' eyes had a chance to adjust, Minnie was helping him off with his coat. He began to unbutton his waistcoat, but she gently pulled his hands away. "I'll do it." As she worked the buttons, she nuzzled Thomas' neck. She slipped off his waistcoat and reached for his tie. She loosened the knot and planted a smouldering kiss on his lips.

Thomas stood in dazed silence as Minnie pulled the tie free and unbuttoned his shirt. He was barely able to make out her silhouette in the darkened room. She was nuzzling his neck again and greeted his ear with her warm breath. He was pleased when he felt a faint spark travel down his limbs. Imagine Ivor, he reminded himself. The desire to kiss was taking hold of him when, with no warning, she placed her hand firmly on his credentials. His brain froze, but his body recognized, accepted, and celebrated the gesture, and his baton led the parade.

Minnie dropped Thomas' shirt and pulled off his vest. She dropped her own dress and slip and pressed herself against him. He kissed her, but her cheek was too smooth. Imagine Ivor. His lips moved down her neck to her bandeau, but her chest was hairless. IMAGINE IVOR.

Thomas felt Minnie's hands fumbling at his waistband, and his trousers fell to his ankles. She pulled him to the side, and he cooperated by stepping out of his trousers. She eased his drawers to the floor, and he stepped out of them as well. She pressed her hand against his budding erection, this time with no trousers between her hand and his pleasure. She raised her mouth to his ear. "It seems that you like this." Thomas wisely did not allow his brain to consider whether he liked it or not. His body had been alone too long and was delighted to welcome a visitor. Minnie did not speak again until they finished what they had started.


Later

Thomas was spent, and his mind was empty. He allowed himself to enjoy the cool darkness and Minnie's warm body cuddled at his side under the covers.

"What are you thinking?" ask Minnie.

"I have no idea," Thomas answered truthfully. He tried to gather his thoughts. "Missus ...?"

"Yes, darling?"

"How did you know what to do when only last night you didn't?"

"I visited Sophie yesterday. I've told you what a know-all she is."

Thomas was aghast. "You didn't tell her what we've been doing!"

"Of course not, silly."

"She instructed you for no reason?"

Minnie laughed. "Sophie's older, and her husband is much older ... close to fifty. I asked if he was as able in bed as when they first married. She said, no, but she knew how to bring him along. And then she told me precisely how. She loves to show off."

"Is that the sort of thing sisters share?"

"My sisters do."

Thomas chuckled. He stretch his arms and legs and rested one hand on Minnie's bottom. The implication of what they had accomplished suddenly flashed across his mind. "Missus, now we can marry!"

"You haven't proposed yet," teased Minnie.

"That's right. When shall I speak to your father?"

"He works a short day on Wednesday to make up for his long Saturday." Minnie kissed Thomas' cheek affectionately. "He'll be home by 4:00. We'll meet him together."

"That'll work. I'm meeting with Dr Clarkson in the morning about eye safety for our eclipse event."

"My busy boy."

Thomas trailed his finger down Minnie's neck and between her breasts and was surprised to encounter her bandeau. Did she keep it on so she would feel less like a female to me? he wondered. "Missus, take off this thing. I want to feel you against me now." Minnie obliged and tossed the bandeau to the floor. Thomas rolled onto his side, kissed her breasts tenderly and rested his head between them. "We're going to have beautiful children, Missus."