Bethany rose to her door being opened by her personal maid. She rubbed her eyes and blinked as the maid lifted her window shades. Her breakfast was placed on the side table, and as Bethany yawned, waking up to the morning sun, she glanced over her foods and smiled, as her favorite, Belgium waffles and fresh strawberries, with maple syrup were waiting to be eaten.

The maid bid her a good morning, and told her she would return in thirty minutes to pick up her tray. Bethany used her hands to let her know it was alright to leave. As Bethany was eating, she watched out her bedroom windows, and was taking in the moving clouds. She heard people’s voices beneath her, and knew that cousins had come to pay her a visit.

Bethany wanted to have fun today, and maybe she could talk her cousins into going out back to the pool and enjoying a swim. She was so lost in her thoughts of herself, that she didn’t hear the knock at the door, announcing the maids return.

The maid carried fresh towels on her arm, and took them into the huge bathroom and Bethany could hear the tub being filled for her bath. Sara, the maid, walked out of the bathroom, and removed the tray from the room. Upon returning, she went to Bethany’s closet and together the two decided what clothing would be worn today.

The bath water was ready, and dropping her house robe, she stepped into a rose petal bath. Sara, let her soak for a while, and went to the bed and began to make it, making sure there were no wrinkles in sight, and fluffing the bed pillows. She tidied up and emptied the trash from the prior evening.

As she walked back into the bathroom, Bethany announced she was ready to be bathed. Sara began by using the bath sponge and letting the roses pour over Bethany’s body, and then proceeded to bathe her, dry her off, and helped her to get dressed.

Sara then left the room and went about her next task, knowing she would not be needed here until bed time. Bethany walked down the curved stair way, and welcomed her cousins with a peck to each cheek and a smile showing beautiful white teeth. They made their way out into the courtyard, and shared tea and played catch-up on conversations since their last visit.

They decided to all go to the barn and ask the stable boy to saddle up the horses for the three of them. Upon the request being completed, the three ladies took off for a gallop through the country side. There were two hundred acres for them to ride through, and from the distance of the house, you could observe great horsemanship.

Two hours later, they came back to the stables and handed the reigns over to the worker and taking hankies from their breast pockets, they each wiped their brow, and were exclaiming how the day was heating up nicely.

Walking through the kitchen door, the server announced that lunch had been prepared for the three of them, and they were to take their seats in the dining room. Broasted chicken, cheese and crackers, fresh strawberries and grapes were laid elegantly on each plate, with a glass of water and white wine sparkling beside each setting.

The ladies sat down and continued their chatter and decided to make plans for next month to meet in the city and shop and have lunch together. After the luncheon was over, Bethany walked her cousins to the front door and once again gave each a peck on each cheek and wished them a safe trip home.

The rest of Bethany’s afternoon was spent swimming and writing and an afternoon nap. She awoke to the sounds of the dinner bell, and got up and checked herself in the mirror, making sure her hair was still in its place, and walked into dinner. Pork chops, fresh carrots, a baked potato, with butter and sour cream, and a nice garden salad was the menu for this evening. This was the time of day that Bethany and her parents dined together. Each telling of their day, and discussing any family or business matter. Formal was the word. No laughter, no real joy, just a meeting place to touch base.

After the dinner was over, the butler announced that she had a visitor, and when she entered the parlor, there he stood in the doorway, the gentleman who had been courting her for several months. Bethany asked him to come in and she excused herself and went to tell her parents that she would be going out for an evening stroll with her beau.

Upon leaving the home, Bethany and her beau made their way to the swing that set directly under the huge apple tree. They both sat down and then he took her in his arms and kissed her lips and neck, sending shivers down her spine. She returned his kisses, letting him know that her body longed for his. He took her hand and helped her rise from the swing, and walked her a few feet away and gently laid her on the soft grass and placed his hand in all of her warm places and while kissing her, he made her his once again.

Afterwards, the two walked slowly back to the house, promising to see each other again very soon. Bethany kissed him good nite and watched him until she could no longer see him as he drove out of the long driveway.

Bethany entered the house and went up the stairway, and entered her bedroom, greeting Sara, who was ready to help her get ready for bed.

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