Eloise waved her ring in front of the sensor and then flashed her encircled goat tattoo. The doorway swung open. She was frisked by the red-robed security guard inside and had to let them scan the barcode on her butt before she was allowed to pass into the sanctum. An average-height, dark-featured woman about her own age immediately came for her.
"Greetings sister!" They exchanged kisses.
"I won't keep you in the dark as to why you were summoned. In a few hours, we will be hosting a wedding ceremony. A young couple, who are currently exchanging vows conventionally, have pledged their fidelity to the circle. After restating their vows and swearing to abide by our precepts and rules, they will be initiated. Your role, sweet sister is to be the matron of honor!"
"Oh," replied, Eloise.
"I'm the wedding planner," she handed Eloise a printed itinerary. "Report for your ritual bath and robing. I expect that you will love the dress we've selected. After that rehearsal which should finish just about fifteen minutes before our bride and groom arrive. Initiation will be in the chapel followed by the bacchanalia. Keep your schedule with you, sister."
In a bit of a daze, Eloise made her way down a hall to a room whose number matched that on her paper slip. She knocked and was ushered in. Two very fit shirtless men were inside. Each one bent Eloise back in a kiss. A tub of warm scented water was already prepared. Eloise reached for her coat.
"You are forbidden to assist us in any way, sister."
The men quickly had Eloise stripped down and into the tub.
"We are two of the groomsmen," stated the taller one.
"How many groomsmen are there?"
"Four and groom emeritus. You will be walking down the aisle with him."
"Well, that is different."
The two men were quite skilled bathers. Eloise had no trouble relaxing under their skilled and talented hands. Even though Douglas had just paid for an expensive wax job, they ran a razor over all parts of Eloise's body and neatened even more her crimson intimate triangle. The scent of the water was orchids.
Eloise was compelled out of the tub, dried off expertly, and dressed. First came some very sexy black lace that was more a suggestion of knickers and brassier than actual items of intimate apparel. The crimson suspenders had been put on first. Now, the black nylon stockings were rolled up Eloise's fine, shapely legs and attached to the clips. The dress itself was darling, red with white trim and at just the proper length to highlight Eloise's marvelous legs and cut nicely to showcase her breasts without being tacky or salacious. The red stilettoes were not too challenging to walk in. After being bent over for kisses twice more, Eloise was patted on the rump and sent to the chapel.
"There will be a slight delay," announced the wedding planner. "Help yourselves to coffee, water, or tea, but don't you dare muss your clothes or I'll have you scrubbing this floor with a toothbrush when all of this is over!"
Eloise felt comfortable enough to help herself to a coffee.
"I must say, I am delighted."
The voice was an impeccable British accent, and it came from a staggeringly handsome collared man almost exactly Eloise's age. He was tall and powerfully built with an engaging smile and salt-and-pepper wavy hair.
"Excuse me?"
"Allow me to introduce myself. I am brother Trevor. I'm the groom emeritus, I'm the most fortunate fellow who gets to escort you down the aisle." His smile widened. He kissed the back of her hand. Eloise's heart beat just a bit faster.
All Eloise was able to gawk. He emitted a mirthful chuckle.
"You know, of course, why we were selected."
Eloise shook her head,
"We each share the same birthday as the bride and groom."
"Really?"
"Yes. You were born the same day as the bride, me, the groom's birthday. We are both twenty-three years older than the couple who will be exchanging nuptials tonight."
Eloise cocked her head.
"It has some mystical significance that I have quite forgotten at the moment."
Finally, Eloise said what she had been thinking from the first.
"Forgive me for staring brother Trevor but your collar seems inconsistent with your accent."
"Oh, there is a long and not particularly interesting story behind that. Suffice to say I am a gentleman's gentleman."
"Will he be here tonight?"
"No, he is not a member of the circle."
"Neither is my master."
"I think if we compare notes, sister?"
"Ellie nee Eloise."
"Sister Ellie, if we were to compare notes, I'm positive you would find that we have a tremendous number of things in common. The circle knows us in ways we do not ourselves."
Eloise was about to comment on that when the wedding planner blew a whistle to attract everyone's attention and said,
"OK, siblings we are ready to begin the run-through. Follow my instructions to the letter."