Lord George, reputed rake, was visiting with a couple of friends at one of Lord Andrew's country estates. Michael and Andrew had been gently ribbing George about his supposed conquests.
"It seems to me, George, that where-ever you go it would be wise for the master of the house to lock us his maids until you're safely off the premises," said Michael.
"No, really," protested George. "It's not my fault. It's just that I can't resist the little dears. It's not as though I coerce them or try to force them in any way. I don't even have to try to seduce them, you know. I just ask and normally they say yes and lift their skirts for me."
There were some derisive shouts at this.
"You mean that you're so overwhelmingly attractive that they just flock to you?" asked Andrew.
"I haven't noticed you having the same success among the ladies of the ton, you know," added Michael.
"That's because they're our social equals," pointed out George. "Maids and such consider us to be higher beings. They're flattered if we show any interest in them and are only too willing to serve."
"Right," said Michael. "I wonder why I haven't noticed this? How about you, Andrew? Do you find maids slavering around your feet begging to be noticed?"
"Can't say I have, Michael," said Andrew. "I think he must tip them well."
"Of course I tip well. They expect it. But they don't go slavering after me, either. They think we're not like them, we're superior beings. They don't expect us to notice them and when we do they're flattered, and feeling grateful for the attention. So when I'm polite and ask them to bed they tend to say yes."
"Do any of them ever say no?" laughed Andrew.
"Course they do, but I can usually tell which ones will agree."
"So you're saying if you want to sleep with one of my maids all you have to do is ask and they'll hop into your bed?"
"Sure. You and Michael should try it sometime. It can be an interesting experience."
"So why don't you show us how you do it?" suggested Andrew. "Call in one of the maids and ask her."
"She's not going to agree while you're here and besides, I don't have time to bed one right now. We have to be heading out soon."
"I see. Suggest a little test and he goes to water," observed Michael.
Irritated, George got up and strolled over to the door and looked up and down the hall. Nodding to himself he turned back into the room.
"Fade out for a minute, Andrew and I'll demonstrate. And if I win you'll have to do a dare for me. If I lose I'll have to do a dare for you."
Andrew and Michael looked at each other, and nodded by mutual agreement. Andrew stepped over to the adjoining room, hovering just inside the doorway so he could see and hear what took place while remaining unobserved.
George returned to the hall and coughed, and then beckoned in both directions. Then he stepped back and stood next to Michael.
A few moments later a couple of downstairs maids appeared in the doorway.
"Yes, sir," asked one nervously. "You want to see us."
"Yes, I did," said George, smiling, "But first, your names are?"
The maid who had spoken gulped, looking even more nervous. "I'm Enid, sir, and this is Maisy."
"Ah, good. Now I hate to bother you when you're both so busy but my friend here," indicating Michael, "was telling me he would dearly like to futter one of you, but was unsure which to choose. I was wondering if you would both be so kind as to lift your dresses so that he can see your legs. This would help him choose."
"He doesn't want to futter one of us right now, does he, sir?" asked Maisy. "We've got a lot of work we have to do right now."
"No, no. He doesn't have time right now, either. I just thought that if you'd be so kind as to lift your dresses it would help him make up his mind for later."
Maisy and Enid looked at each other, and Maisy shrugged. Reaching down she pulled up the front of her dress, with Enid not far behind her.
Michael was stunned to suddenly be shown two pair of very nice legs, but George was not satisfied.
"I'm, sorry," he murmured, "but could you lift them all the way up?"