Lady Agatha took the telephone from her maid and spoke to the private Psychiatric Consultant at Fairview Sanatorium.
"Yes, I see, the straightjacket...foaming at the mouth...padded cell...Thank you, Charles. I am sure you are doing the very best for him. No hope, you say? If only he could have a quiet dignified end. Oh, I see, withdrawal of sustenance? That would be possible? Can I give that some thought Charles...I'll call you next week."
Replacing the receiver, she sat for a while in contemplation. Poor Sir Michael. Such a decline after only seven years of marriage. She had not realised just how completely, quickly (and successfully), her cheating, teasing and mental cruelty would affect her husband. She gave a little shiver of excitement at the sheer feminine power she had brought to bear on the unfortunate baronet.
But now she needed to act more rapidly than expected. His will stated that only an estate cottage plus £100,000 would be allocated to her, on his death. Her daughter Clarissa, his step-child, would inherit some jewelry and £50,000. The remainder of his considerable estate, plus a lifetime's accumulation of investments, artwork and bullion was willed to his only child, Justin. A Multi-million pound fortune.
She decided to call her 'partner-in-crime', Lady Penelope Fenton.
"Hello Penny. No, everything is fine. It's just that we might have to move things along somewhat faster than expected. Yes, very near the end now, poor dear. No. No chance at all. I was thinking perhaps that you and Sophie, and perhaps Gwen, could come and stay with us this weekend. In any case, as you can imagine, since he met Sophie last month, poor Justin is at his wits end. Good, I'll have the rooms prepared for Friday. Don't forget the key!"
Both women laughed, then, finishing with some light gossip, ended the call.
That evening, she invited her step-son for a little chat, in the small sitting room, adjacent to her boudoir.
"Jason Darling, we are to receive visitors on Friday. Lady Fenton and her daughter are coming to stay for a few days. Won't that be nice?"
Jason had thought of little else but Sophie, since their return home, six weeks ago. Although his body had begun to adjust to his new chastity device, he was also in what seemed like a constant state of frustrated arousal and romantic longing.
"Oh yes, mummy. I hope Sophie hasn't forgotten me," he gushed.
"Don't be silly. Lady Fenton tells me that her daughter has talked about you on at least two occasions since our visit. She is a very charming and accomplished girl. I am quite sure she will make someone an excellent wife, one day. Actually, Lady Fenton tells me that Sophie has had several offers already."
Justin looked downcast. "I told her that I loved her, mummy."
"I know darling, and I am sure she is fond of you too. I know you are still very young, Justin, but really, you may never get a better opportunity to engage with such an eligible young woman. Perhaps you should propose marriage, when they come."
"Why would she want to marry me mummy. I am younger than her, I can't ride and I'm very shy."
"I know darling, but you may be pleasantly surprised. Take advice from a woman of the world, Justin. I feel sure that Sophie is ripe for marriage and if you ask her very very nicely, I feel sure you will 'sweep her off her feet'."
With that, she reached across, embraced Justin and gave him several kisses on his cheeks and lips, leaving his face covered in deep red lipstick.
"Will you be a brave boy and try for me darling?" she whispered.
Blushing under the tender caress of her lips, Justin could only nod his affirmation.
"Good boy. Of course, you will firstly be required to ask her mother for permission. Do you understand?"
"Yes, mummy."
Lady Agatha noted with cruel satisfaction, that despite his embarrassment, Justin was unable to resist peeking at her lovely legs, sheathed in the sheerest copper coloured, fully fashioned nylon stockings. Reaching into her handbag, she retrieved a tiny leather box, which she opened, to Justin's surprised gaze.
"Here is a ring. It was your maternal grandmother's diamond engagement ring. Take it with you now darling. You may offer it to Sophie at the appropriate time."
The next few days passed very slowly for Justin, but eventually, Friday came and 'The Honorable' Sophie arrived with her mother and their senior maid, Gwen.
His step-sister, Clarrissa was first to rush forward to greet them and was quick to whisk Sophie away to the stables, before Justin could do little but wave, ineffectually towards the back of his beloved.
