Monday, 17 October 2011



The Missing Maid

A Tawse Hall Mystery

By

Lisa

Chapter 3




Chapter 3



Dr Louise Strict’s work was receiving ever more attention. In the 90’s and 00’s when things seemed to be going ok talk of a need for a more disciplined society seemed like an echo from a bygone age. All that talk of legalising drugs and extending pub opening hours as if to drink and get stoned was a basic human right. But her book, The Price of Freedom, had found its moment. It is hard to know exactly why. From both left and right, above and below there seemed to be a feeling that the freedom without responsibility we had enjoyed had gone too far. Whether it was greedy bankers presiding over a crisis of their own making, or rioters showing their anger not through protest but blatant theft, the evidence seem to be there for people. Dr Strict’s ideas, that individual freedom had become divorced from personal responsibility, and this could be seen as the root of much of what was wrong, had an audience. She argued that the freedom being offered did not even succeed in bringing happiness to those who enjoyed it. It was a meaningless drug that sought only greater excess.

Her ideas had brought much attention, but along with supporters it had brought critics. Most were honest, and simply did not agree, but there were those who went way beyond this.  She had  had to transform from a successful business woman and academic into something much more media savvy. That evening she prepared for the appearance she would be making on News Review. It was a big chance, the chance to cross swords with her detractors, to challenge the complacent politicians. She could feel a little tension. This surprised her; she was not the nervous type. But since Agnes had left, disappeared, she had not felt entirely relaxed. She knew that the world of Tawse Hall was hard for many to understand. A society built on respect enforced with corporal punishment attracted both ridicule and suspicion. It was not the TV debate that she making her tense, more the sense that she had begun to move beyond the world she knew. She had to do for the sake of her work, but sometimes this came at a price.  As she climbed into bed she thought about her new maid, and also about the one who had gone. It was a big bed and in that moment she missed having somebody to share that with.



Lisa enjoyed a pleasant dinner with the other staff. Even Shona seemed to be in a better mood now and Mrs Scolding was a very good cook. A couple of times William made some rather clumsy attempts to flirt but Mr Welt quickly put him in his place.

‘You mess around with her Will you will be grateful if it is only my strap you feel across your backside.’ Shona gave an evil laugh at this and William said nothing more for the rest of the meal.

 The others went to watch television but Lisa was tired and went to bed. Sleep would not come though, there were too many thoughts running through her mind. By the time she dozed off it was well past midnight and her dreams were full of images of Shona’s bottom, of Ms Strict's study. Lisa was slightly disturbed that these dreams seemed to bring a sort of warm arousal.

She had set her alarm early and made sure that she was immaculate in her uniform and on bang on time for her first proper day. A six thirty precisely she knocked on Ms Strict’s bedroom door and went in. Ms Strict was already awake, sat up in bed, working from a laptop.

‘Good morning Lisa, I am ready for my bath now.’

The bathroom was huge and luxurious, with thick white towels, expensive perfumes and oils. Lisa prepared the bath as she had been instructed. She took her Mistress’s gown and night dress, sliding both gently from her body as Louise stretched to great the day.

‘Thank you Lisa.’ The voice was warm.

There for the first time Lisa saw her Mistress naked, her big mature body, the large breasts with huge brown nipples and oh that bottom. Lisa tried to push naughty thoughts to the back of her mind, thoughts of her burying her face in that big soft body, being folded into her mistress’s arms. She had her job to do. She gently bathed her, washing her breasts, thighs, hair. She could not look Louise in the eye as she set about her task. She was flushed red, as she knew Louise’s gaze did not leave her.

Louise lay back smiling. Lisa had been a good choice. ‘I do not want you to get your uniform wet. Tomorrow you will bath me naked.’ Lisa’s hands shook slightly as she washed Louise’s feet and calves.

‘Lisa, very good but you need to wash between my legs.’ She could see the girl hesitate but knew she would comply. Louise opened her thighs to reveal what lay between, that big mature pussy that had now woken up to the younger girls caresses.  Lisa’s hands were gentle, soaping between her legs. Louise would have loved to let her carryon but it was too soon and she had a lot to do.

‘Oh mm, thank you Lisa that is enough. One day I will let you finish the job.’

‘Yes Ma’am.’

The poor girl was beetroot red now, but it was not only embarrassment that Louise could hear in Lisa’s voice. She knew the girl was hot.

Lisa wrapped her mistress in one of the big fluffy towels and dried her carefully, kneeling before her to dry her bottom, between her legs and her feet.  When Louise was satisfied they returned to the bedroom for Lisa to dress her. Kneeling before her Mistress, rolling on her silk stockings, fastening the suspenders, sliding on her knickers, easing those wonderful breasts into a bra, sensing the heat of her body as she did so it felt so special. Then she dressed her in a dark blue business suit for the day, placing her mistress's choice of shoes at her feet to step into. Lisa had discovered something, something deep inside. Serving this woman like this felt right for her. She felt right.

‘That was a good start Lisa. Maybe I will be able to forego caning you on Friday. Now bring me my breakfast.’

Lisa thrilled at the praise from her Mistress but the reminder of what was hanging over her was unwelcome. She had tried to forget the threat of the cane and her mental image of Shona’s poor bottom.



After the breakfast Ms Strict went to her study to begin the day’s business. This was a routine that Lisa would soon become used to. She would then clean and tidy the bedroom and join Shona in cleaning the rest of the house until she was wanted again at 1.00 to attend to her Mistress.

Shona seemed transformed from the surly character she had first met. Maybe that is what happens when you are caned. It takes a few days to get over it. Shona was generous in showing Lisa what needed to be done and volunteered to help her prepare the Mistresses private rooms. Lisa was glad of the help. Maybe she and Shona would become friends. She did not have many mates and certainly none she could see easily during the week.

Around 10.00, as she was dusting in the main dining room she saw an anonymous grey car pull up and a slightly shabby looking man come to the door. Mr Welt welcomed him coolly and took him up stairs to Lisa assumed, the study.





Ms Strict was just starting to get annoyed about her visitors lateness when there was a tap at the door.

‘Yes Welt?’

‘You appointment Ma’am, Mr Figgings’.

She beckoned him in. Howard Figgings was not somebody she liked or approved of but he had a job to do and was by all accounts good at it. He was in his 50’s with the air of a defrocked clergyman or school teacher. The kind who got caught fiddling the petty cash or letting their hands wander.

‘Your report please.’

Figgings sighed. ‘May I smoke? He took out a packet, a cheap brand.

‘Don’t be ridiculous, your report please’

He sighed again, and returned the cigarettes to his pocket.

‘Ok, Ok. This has not been easy and I have incurred a lot of expenses.’ It was Ms Strict’s turn to sigh.

‘I did not ask you how hard it was, I want to know what you have achieved in exchange for your fee and those expenses you have incurred.’

‘Well, London is a big city and there is no shortage of eastern European prostitutes. But given what you told me about Agnes I guessed that she would be working in what shall we say, the specialist market. So in my disguise as a sleazy middle-aged man that likes slippering school girls’ bottoms I started making some enquiries.’

‘Go on.’

‘Well if you are ever near Baker Street there is a lovely little thing going by the name Talia I can strongly recommend. The Russian accent does rather take the edge off the English school girl persona but she has a lovely spankable....’

‘Mr Figgings I am not interested in you escapades with Talia or any other random girl unfortunate enough to come across you ‘in disguise’.  Have you found out anything pertinent to what I am paying you for?’

‘Yes. But it is not good. Does the name Bastion Rohrstock mean anything to you?’

‘No, should it?’

‘No, it is a name most people come to regret knowing. Rohrstock is basically a people trafficker and a nasty one. He pretends to be German but that is a reinvention. He grew up in Serbia during the collapse of Yugoslavia. He was one of those people who thrived on the chaos and suffering. He is both a violent sadist and now sadly very rich.’

Ms Strict did not say anything but felt a chill run through her body.

‘Agnes is somehow involved in his organisation. I assume as a working girl.’

‘But Agnes would not sell herself.’

‘I cannot comment on that, but with Rohrstock's methods she would not exactly be required to volunteer. Anyway, on the upside I met a girl who had seen her 2 weeks ago and she was alive and well. However this girl did not know where Agnes was now. She may be working in London, she maybe anywhere in the country by now. The interesting thing is that as you told me, Agnes’ papers are legit. She was not trafficked here, she did not need to. Poland is part of the EU. So she could be anywhere.’

‘What do you suggest Mr Figgings’?







The meeting concluded shortly before 11, and Mr Figgings went on his way. Around 12.00 Ms Strict went to back to her private rooms to get ready for a Lunch appointment in Thrashwell. She was going to catch up with her old friend Gemma Scully.

As she walked into the bedroom she sniffed the air, something was very wrong, she recognised that smell straight away. She opened the bathroom door to be confronted by the sight of Lisa holding a lighted cigarette in one hand and a packet of 10 in the other.

‘Ma’am, I am sorry’ was all the wretched girl could manage.


Sunday, 16 October 2011

Missing Maid- Chapter 2

The Missing Maid

A Tawse Hall Mystery

By

Lisa

Chapter 2

Chapter 2



William was looking forward to a nice quiet cup of tea in his shed. It was hard work in the grounds at this time of year. If anyone had been interested he would have told them he needed an extra pair of hands. Nobody did, least of all Ms Strict. William’s idea of hard work and his Mistresses’ were some way apart.

As he approached he could see the door was slightly ajar. He knew straight away who was inside even before he smelt the cigarette smoke. He tried to suppress the knot of excitement with a play of fake nonchalance.

‘Afternoon Shona, you don’t want to get caught doing that. You know how Ma’am hates smoking or are you getting a taste for that senior girls cane?’

‘Fuck off William, it is your fault I got it last Friday, my arse still hurts.’ Shona was leaning against the wall of the shed looking deeply glum as she sucked on her cigarette. ‘I should not have let you convince me to wear those pink lace panties.’

William laughed. He wanted to be a bit sympathetic but found Shona so funny when she was in this kind of mood.  ‘I was your own fault. You knew the penalty for not wearing the correct uniform is only 2 strokes of the junior cane. It was you who made a massive fuss. What were you thinking of telling Ma’am that you would not raise your skirt for inspection?’

Squirming and pulling a face Shona started pacing around the shed. ‘And that new slag has arrived today. And that bitch, the Cook, made me show her my caned bottom! I could see on her face it scared the living daylights out of her. Good, she better get used to it. She will be in the study every fucking Friday if I have anything to do with it.’

‘Come on Shona, having another girl your age here will be fun. You are just jealous.’

‘Too right I am jealous. I have been here 18 months slaving away for that shit of a cook, cleaning, doing all sorts. I should have been asked. I should have at least been given the chance to be the personal Maid. Instead they have fetched in some little bitch from London, who will be trying to Lord it over me sooner or later, just like the last one did.’

‘Well we will have to make sure that Ma’am starts to think a little better of you and a little less well of....what’s her name..

‘Lisa, Lisa Lyons.’ Shona said it with a fake posh voice that sounded nothing like Lisa’s.

William picked up the cigarette packet and smiled. ‘We will have to make sure little Lisa Lyons does not have that comfortable a stay.’

Shona sat back on a pile of logs, her knees slightly apart. William felt his pulse start to rise as Shona began to pull her skirt up. For a moment he had worried that she had just come to moan. But no, she wanted him after all. Maybe today he would be allowed to fuck her again.

‘Get on your knees you cunt.’ William loved the sound of Shona’s voice when she got nasty. Her skirt now around her waist slowly opened her stocking clad legs. Then she brought up her knees so that William could see her gaping pussy with its neat bush of ginger hair, he could also see those lovely cane marks all over her bottom and thighs.

‘Suck me you cunt.’

You really are a foul mouthed Scottish bitch aren’t you?’

Shona slapped him hard in the face. ‘I said suck me you fucking cunt.’

William dropped to his knees a buried his face in her, sucking at her pearl. She grabbed his hair and pulled him onto her. Yes, that is it, suck hard. If you please me you might get lucky William.’

‘Oh please, I want to fuck you, I have too. I have been waiting weeks.’
‘Make me come hard and we can talk about it.’ Oh yes she like this. She knew what was going on with Will's fat cock beneath his overalls. She knew just how desperate he would be. And she was going to enjoys this. She loved seeing that eager pleading look in his eyes.
She pulled his face back between her legs. His Tongue working so hard, but she still pulled him harder onto her pussy, rubbing his face in her hot juices.
‘That's it bitch, suck me, suck me you cunt. If you don’t please me you will never get to fuck me again. Yes Will, that’s it, what I want from you.’ Harder he went. Now she clamped her stocking clan legs his head, now she was coming, now. She thrashed around on the woodpile feeling the rough timber against her skin.
‘Christ, give it to me, yes.’  She gave a final shudder, and then pushed him back. William pulled down his overall, reveal what was below. ‘Please, please let me fuck your pussy now!’
Oh Shona loved this, seeing him standing there, and she had complete control. He was so pathetically desperate. She was going to make him earn his fuck.
‘You liked seeing my caned bottom didn’t you, you like seeing me hurt. ‘She spat the word with real venom.  ‘And you ripped my stockings you worthless shit.’
‘I am sorry Shona.’
‘You will by me a new pair.’
‘Yes Shona.’
Her legs were wide apart, as she gently stoked her pussy, now soaked from her own come and Will's sucking.
‘You are shit at oral. Why should I let you come?’ She was talking in a soft, teasing voice now as she slide his overall down and played with the small key that hung on the chain around her neck.

‘Shona, please you promised me.’

‘Oh William it is wonderful, if a woman can take control of a man’s cock she takes control of everything.  Pathetic.’
She had complete control because Will's cock was safely locked away in its little plastic chastity cage, and Shona had the key.

‘It must hurt like hell?’ She laughed as she squeezed his balls.
‘Yes Shona, please let me fuck you, I will pay for you stockings.’
Oh that pleading face and voice. Do pathetic but so arousing, and that fat cock trapped in its little cage. Shona was so wet, she wanted fucking hard but loved teasing Will and herself.

It had been so easy to get him to accept a little chastity. There was not much action going on around this neck of woods. She knew how sexy she was, how William wanted her. So give him the fuck of his life, then.... Then explain that if he wants to ever experience it again he has to wear the cage. She felt so hot when she thought back to that night when she had presented it and the deal to him. Watching William’s macho bluster dissolve in front of her. He just wanted it far too badly to say no. Of course he imagined that little cage would be coming off a lot more often that Shona planned. If he was going to get his oats then she was going to take full advantage.
‘I do not think it is just the stockings you should pay for. If you want to fuck me you are going to have to pay.’ Oh that look of horror on his face, she loved it.
‘You are not going to get to use me as your whore for free. £50 now Will, plus £10 for the stockings, get it now!’
He hesitated, but she could tell from the straining against the cage that he would comply.
Just to name sure she turned, sticking out her bottom, framing her wet pussy between its caned cheeks. Then putting her hand over it.
‘Get the money now you tight cunt, and you can have me.’
He rushed to his little tin.
 Slowly she drew the tiny key for the little lock on the cage.
‘Now you are not going to come too fast are you? You must not come till you have satisfied me. If you do you will be locked back up in your cage for a very long time. Understand?’
He was clearly desperate and right now would have agreed to just about anything. Shona too was now desperate to release the beast from its cage.

With a little click the padlock came free, and Wills cock burst out. Long, fat and just so fucking hard. Part of Shona wanted to wank him, she knew that we would pop in no time but she wanted to feel that cock inside her too much.

‘Come on Will give it to me, come on!’ He threw himself on her fucking with long hard stokes with. His erection was like iron. Shona sank her nails deep into his bottom cheeks.

Now he threw her legs over his shoulders and pushed in deep, working it in her. ‘That’s it you cunt, fuck me hard, hard.’

There was sweat pouring of Will’s tight muscular body as he worked. She loved this, yes; his cock was catching the spot, just where she wanted it. Legs clamped around Will’s waist, arms around her shoulders she came.

‘Come now Will, come now.’

Her pussy spasmed around him as he came inside her. He let out a long moan, his face buried in her hair.

Then he lay there still on top of her until his now spent cock slipped out. ‘Thank you Shona.’ His voice was quiet and small.

Before he could think to complain she slipped the little cage back on and clicked the lock shut with her key. Straightening her skirt, she kissed him gently like a mother kissing a child good night then left. Left William sitting in his shed wondering how he had got into this situation and not entirely sure he wanted a way out.

Lisa’s head was spinning. Mrs Scolding had told her to wait to be called but nearly 10 minutes had passed. She knew that from the clock slowly ticking in the hall. Should she knock on the door? She shifted on the bench. There seemed t o be a lot of talk about corporal punishment in Tawse Hall, and having seen all those horrid stripes on Shona’s bottom she knew it was not all talk. Better wait to be called.

What would Ms Strict be like? She realised that she had no idea about her new employer, how old she was, what she might look like. She guessed a middle aged woman, but found it hard to visualise her. Would she be glamorous, a stern matron, a tough careers woman? This new world was just so full of things she did not yet know or understand.

After an age she heard a voice, strong, clear coming through the door.  A voice of authority.

‘Come.’

Lisa’s hands were shaking has she turned the brass knob on the door and pushed it open. She stood there for a second, taking in what was before her. The room was large and warm. Sunlight in the late afternoon was streaming through big sash windows. The room was very neat and ordered. All the furniture seemed antique. Lisa would not have known antique from DFS but she presumed it was antique. The walls lined with books.

At the far end of the room was the biggest desk Lisa had ever seen. Behind it sat a woman. A large handsome woman, middle aged yes but somebody who retained the striking looks of her youth. She exuded a power and self belief. This was a woman who was in complete control of herself and her world.

‘Stand there.’ The woman pointed to a spot about 6 feet in front of the desk. The voice was direct, neither friendly nor unfriendly. She was studying Lisa’s letter of application, then Lisa herself. Slowly she closed the file on her desk and addressed Lisa directly.

‘Good afternoon Lisa. As I am sure you realise I am Louise Strict your mistress in this house. You may address me as Ma’am.’

‘Yes Ma’am. Lisa’s voice felt thin and weak.

‘And as my servant I expect you to curtsy when you greet me.’

‘Yes Ma’am.’ Lisa did the best curtsy she could muster. It felt very strange.

‘Now the first thing is that you are dressed properly then I will explain your duties. Please take off your clothes.’

Lisa looked around. ‘Is there somewhere for me to get changed?’

‘Lisa, as my personal Maid you will become familiar with my body, therefore I see no reason for you to be shy about yours. Undress where you are.’ The voice was firm but not unkind. Lisa wanted to argue but not for the first time that day she decided against it. She quietly put her clothes in a large basket that seemed to be there for the purpose.

‘Lisa, I said undress.’ The tone was sharper now. Lisa looked down; she only had her bra and pants on.  Surely Ms Strict did not mean...

‘Yes Lisa, naked.’

The girl unclipped her bra and slipped it onto the pile of clothes. She could not remember ever feeling this naked before, but somehow it was natural. Then after a deep breath she slipped her fingers into the waistband of her knickers. She pulled them down quickly, almost as if to stop her changing her mind halfway through. Lisa stood trying to cover herself.

‘Hands by your sides’ girl!’

Ms Strict now got up from behind the desk and began to walk around, inspecting her, thinking out loud.

‘Mmm nice small firm breasts, flat stomach, good legs. No tattoo’s I see. Good. Only sluts have tattoos.'  Oh yes a nice plump bottom.’ Ms Strict seemed to pause there.

‘Bend over Lisa and touch your toes. Come on girl, feet 2 feet apart.’ Lisa now blushed a deep shade of red. As she bent forward she was not only showing Ms Strict her bottom but her sex. What really made her blush was that something about this ritual had started a tingle in her tummy that had started to warm her between the legs. What if Ms Strict noticed? That would be so embarrassing.

Ms Strict spent a long time taking what was in front of her but did not say anything. Lisa thought she could hear her breathing more heavily now though. She dared not look round but was certain that Ms Strict's eyes were feasting on her.

‘Ok Lisa, stand up. Your uniform is on the table over there. Spare sets are waiting for you in your room. Please get dressed now.’

 Lisa inspected the pile of clothes. It was the kind of uniform she had seen in plenty of TV dramas, black with a white frill and a white cap. There had been an oldie worldie tea room in the high street near her parents’ house once where the waitresses wore this kind of thing. She was surprised that underwear was also provided, but she remembered the conversation with Shona and Mrs Scolding about ‘regulation knickers’. The knickers were simple black, with black stockings and suspender belt. All plain except the stocking had a seam down the back.

Lisa got dressed as quickly as she could; taking a quick look in the mirror to make sure the cap was straight.

‘Not bad Lisa, but I expect my girls to be immaculate. The seams in those stocking need to be absolutely straight. Please correct that now.’

Lisa could not see what was wrong with them but hastily complied.

‘I expect my girls to have the highest standards, and to take pride in themselves and their work. If you should fall short of those standards I will help put you back on track. I am sure by now you have some idea of the methods we use here. You have met little Shona?

Lisa nodded.

‘Shona needs maybe more help to stay on track than she ought, but she, like you will learn. I will explain how discipline is administered in this house so you understand fully. You have not yet signed your contract of employment so you can walk away if you cannot accept how things work. Most significant transgressions either reported to me by my senior staff or observed by myself are dealt with in this study on a Friday afternoon after you have received your pay. You always have a choice. Accept my discipline or take your wages and leave. Everyone here is here of their own free will. Clearly if somebody leaves having let themselves down there is no reference.

Ms Strict went on to explain that she was amongst other things a Professor at the University of Birchmore, and Tawse Hall was a long term experiment in how an ordered disciplined society could live happily. She explained that people had become weak and spoiled by losing respect for authority. That living in an environment of tough love, with clear discipline and authority people could lead far happier lives. As well as the permanent staff, people would come and stay for extended periods of time. It was a kind of therapy when their lives had got out of control.



Much of this went over Lisa’s head. But what happened next did not. Ms Strict went to a tall dark cabinet and took out a number of items and laid them out before her on the desk.

‘These are my tools for putting my staff and guests back on the straight and narrow, I will explain their purpose.’

‘Firstly the punishment book. This is where I record the offence and the punishment administered. Its purpose it two fold. Firstly it helps me ensure that the punishments I administer are consistent and fair. Secondly it is a helpful reference if somebody is back before me for a repeat offence. Please be aware, I do not like repeat offenders.’ It was a simple leather backed book. What Lisa did not like was that it was obviously well used.

‘Secondly, the junior cane.’ Ms Strict picked up a thin whippy cane and gave it an expert flourish. ‘I use this mostly for guests who are learning our ways or for minor breaches. My staff are held to a higher standard. That standard is the senior girls’ cane.’

Lisa gulped. This was an altogether more serious weapon, longer, darker, and thicker. It swished through the air, heavy, hard.

‘Make no mistake Lisa, this is going to hurt a great deal, and I only ever cane full force, and on the bare bottom. Now comes Shona’s favourite. The Tawse or as she calls it ‘the belt’. Ms Strict chuckled. ‘I tend to use this as it is traditionally used in Scottish schools, to punish the palms of the hands. Again, this quickly reduces the toughest miscreant to tears.’

Ms Strict then opened two boxes lined in tissue paper. From the first she took a small plastic cage with a tiny padlock. ‘These Lisa are more unusual forms of discipline. This one is for my male staff. Men have such disgusting habits, but if you want to ensure a man behaves himself I lock away his little thing in one of these. He cannot play with himself and whenever he has dirty thoughts the cage will remind him to behave. Sadly sometimes girls arrive here who are promiscuous and lack the necessary self control in their lives. In these cases I will fit one of these. Ms Strict lifted up what looked like a metal thong. ‘A good old fashioned chastity belt Lisa.’

‘Now as my personal maid you will also be subject on non formal corporal punishment for minor misdemeanours. These punishments are applied on the spot and may involve being spanked with a slipper or hairbrush or even just my hand.

Ms Strict went on to describe to Lisa her duties in some detail. It mostly involved cleaning, attending to Ms Strict and being on hand as required. ‘Now Lisa, your first job each morning will be to dress me for the day, and at night dress me for bed. This is a highly privileged position. You are very lucky to have this opportunity. So far I like what I see but I note that there are already a couple of blots on your copy book. When I send girl instructions I expect them to be followed. However Mr Welt has advised me that you have already ignored these twice. Firstly, I sent you details of the buses from Slipperbottom. But you ignored these and arrived late, having to then impose yourself on Mrs Scully. You are lucky that it was Mrs Scully; if you had got into a car with any random stranger you could have been seriously hurt or worse. Secondly, you marched up to the front door of this house having been given clear instructions about using the rear. Now Lisa, these are the kinds of offence that would normally bring a girl to my study on a Friday afternoon. It would be very unusual for me to cane a girl in her first week but I am seriously considering it in your case. Please reflect on that as you go about your duties this week. Now you are dismissed. There rest of the day is yours. Please present yourself ready for duty at 6.30 sharp tomorrow.’



The door clicked shut as the new Maid left the room. Louise Strict sat back in her chair and put the freshly signed copies of the employment contract in the file. The girl was very sweet, and had a lovely bottom. She might also be the type who would genuinely appreciate the attentions of her Mistress. But it would be very harsh to cane her in her first week. Louise decided this was something she should think about at length. Maybe when she was in bed that night.





There was somebody else thinking about Lisa being caned in her first week. But this one did not think it would be harsh at all. Not in the least. And as this person hurried back to into Tawse Hall they mulled over their plan to make sure it happened.




The Missing Maid- A Tawse Hall Mystery- Chapter 1





The Missing Maid

A Tawse Hall Mystery

By

Lisa




Chapter 1

Lisa did not know what to expect but whatever it was this was not it. She did not believe that trains still went to places like Slipperbottom. There seemed to be a station, a small half empty car park and a shop. Apart from a few picture post card cottages there was not much else to see.

There may have once been a timetable in the bus stop but not anymore. There was probably something about this in the instructions she had been sent but they were buried at the bottom of her bag.  What she remembered was to take the bus and let the driver know she wanted Tawse Hall. The shelter was full or rubbish so she sat down on her case to wait. It was sunny but she shuddered.  She suddenly became aware of how nervous she was about this new life. At 18 she had barely ever been away from home on her own. Now here she was about to start a new life as the personal maid to a Ms Louise Strict in some country house. What did she know about being a maid? She had been a waitress in Andy’s Cafe over the summer and had done a few cleaning jobs for pocket money. Would that be enough?

When she had replied to the advert a month ago she never expected to hear anything. She had not applied on a whim, more in desperation. She could not stand living with her parents and sister any longer. They did not seem all that keen on her hanging around either. But she could not afford a deposit on a flat and had no job. This position seemed like a good bet. Do it for a few months until she had saved up enough, find a flat share and get a proper job.

She was surprised and delighted when the letter came back inviting her to come, initially for a trial period. The letter made it very clear that the household operated by its own standards and it was important that anyone joining fully understood this and could fit in. She was not entirely sure what this meant but decided she had nothing to lose.



‘You are in for a long wait kiddo’

‘What’

‘The next bus is not until 4.30.’A woman probably in her 40’s with iron grey hair was smiling at her from a Land Rover.

Lisa looked at her watch; it was only just after 1.00.  Shit.

‘I need to get to Tawse Hall, how far is it?’

The woman laughed. ‘Tawse Hall, I suppose you look the type. What are you going there for?’

Lisa did not really want to answer, she just wanted to get there but she hoped that the woman would at least point her in the right direction. ‘I am going to be a personal maid’.

The woman flashed a wicked smile; something had crossed her mind that she was in no hurry to share.

‘I am Gemma Scully, you are in luck I am the teacher at Thrashwell village school. Tawse Hall is on my way. Hop in.’

The woman’s accent sounded so posh to Lisa, but she seemed kind enough. ‘I am good friends with your new Mistress. She is a wonderful woman but she does not take kindly to disobedience, nor does she stand for much silliness. Bare this in mind and you will enjoy working for her.’

Lisa had a few unanswered questions running through her mind but decided it was best not to push her luck.

The journey only took half an hour in the car, though winding hedge lined lanes.  Gemma pulled into a gravel drive. Up ahead Lisa could see a big square red brick house with ivy climbing up the walls. Just has she had imagined. This was the kind of place that an Agatha Christie murder would happen.

She crunched up to the front of the house then climbed some wide stone steps up to the front door and rang the bell.

The door opened and a tall man stared down at her. He had an air of distaste about him. He was sizing her up and not really approving of what he could see. ‘Yes.....?’ His voice creaked like an old trunk being opened.

‘Hello, I am Lisa Lyons, I, I, I am the new maid’. She tried to suppress a tremble in her voice. There was something about the man’s presence that made her feel very small and timid. His voice was cold; ‘then I suggest you report to the rear entrance as you would have been directed. This door is not for maids, new or otherwise’.

Damn, Lisa now dimly remembered the instructions. She could feel that man’s eyes on her back as she trudged round to the back of the house, and knocked on what looked like the kitchen door.

It was answered by a small round woman with a pretty face and dark  hair tied back.

‘Hello, you must be Lisa, welcome. She extended her hand. Come in. I am Mrs Scolding. I am the cook, and as an ex nurse also look after any minor medical things that crop up, any cuts and bruises that kind of thing. It is a small household so we have to muck in. Take the weight off your feet.’

Lisa began to relax a little as the woman gave her a cup of tea and they sat at the table. ‘As I said there is only a small staff here. Apart from me there is Mr Welt. He is the head of the staff, and acts as butler and chauffer to the Mistress. And there is Shona.’ 

The tall thin man walked into the kitchen and shot Lisa a withering glace.

‘Ah Mr Welt, meet Lisa the new maid’

‘We met, sadly the new maid feels entitled to come in via the front door.’

Ms Scolding raised an eyebrow, ‘oh’

‘I have of course informed Ma’am of this.’ Lisa disliked being talked about but bit her tongue.

Mr Welt fixed her with his gaze again. ‘Hopefully for your sake Ma’am will not feel the need to discuss this with you on Friday afternoon as you are new. But....’

When he had gone Miss Scolding put her hand on Lisa’s. Don’t worry he is fine once you get to know him. He is a bit protective and does not really like people until he knows he can trust them.

‘What did he mean by discuss on Friday afternoon.’

Miss Scolding seemed to be mulling something over in her mind.

‘Ok, you will find out anyway. Though it is not really for me to tell you. Ms Strict lives up to her name. She is generous and loyal to her staff but expects the highest standards. If somebody does not live up to those standards then they will be shown the error of their ways in no uncertain terms. Ms Strict is very much of the old School. Transgressions are dealt with by corporal punishment, just as they would have been when she was at boarding school.’

Lisa, frozen, what was this she was hearing ‘corporal punishment’. There had been nothing about that in the advert. That was something that happened when her Granddad went to school, getting the slipper for talking.

Mrs Scolding could read her thoughts. ‘Corporal punishment is used without fear or favour. Both I and Mr Welt are subject to the same. The only difference is that because of his position Mr Welt would be punished in private without our knowledge. For the rest Ms Strict provides the names of any staff she wishes to see to Mr Welt when the wages are paid on Friday. And those staff named are then to go to the Study for their punishment. The choice is a simple one. Accept Ms Strict’s rules or leave.’

A girl about Lisa’s age came into the kitchen. She was very beautiful with big eyes but had a malevolent look on her face.

‘Shona, meet Lisa.’

Shona grunted something in what may or may not have been a Scottish accent. This seemed to provoke Mrs Scolding.

‘I was just telling Lisa about Friday afternoons Shona. You know all about that don’t you.’

‘Too much’

Miss Scolding’s tone was now changed, coldly assertive.

‘Show her Shona.’

‘No. Why?’

‘Show her. You do not want to be reported to Ms Strict for insubordination again now? No, then show Lisa what a Friday afternoon trip to the Study means.’

The girl stood up, scowling, turning her back to Lisa lifted her skirt.

‘Knickers down so Lisa can see properly!’ Mrs Scolding reached across and pulled Shona’s knickers down to her knees. The girl cursed but did nothing to stop it.

The girl had very fair skin and a full round bottom. But that white smooth skin was criss-crossed by a series of fiery red stripes, with one at least across the back of her thighs. Lisa winced looking at it. Ouch.

‘How many did you get Shone? Tell Lisa.’

‘8 with the senior girls cane.’

‘And what for’

‘I got 6 for insubordination, and 2 for not being appropriately dressed.’ Shona pulled her knickers up and sat down. Lisa noted a little gingerly.

‘Your turn will come, Shona sneered at Lisa. I hear you have already made an impression on Mr Welt.’

‘Be nice Shona.  Shona works with me in the kitchen and will work with you on the general cleaning. The silly girl decided she did not need to wear her regulation knickers, and when Ms Strict asked for an inspection she refused. What you just saw was the price for that, A Friday afternoon discussion in the study.  Now get washed up and I will take you to meet the Mistress. She will be expecting you now.  Ms Strict will explain your duties in full.’



Washing her hands at the sink, turning over all she had been told Lisa spotted as handsome young man out in the garden. ‘Does anyone else work here?’ Mrs Scolding followed her line of vision. ‘Oh ‘Just William’ Mrs Scolding chuckled at the little joke to herself.  William is the grounds man, gardener whatever. Stay clear of him if I were you.’



Miss Scolding led Lisa up a narrow staircase that opened up onto a spacious corridor. She pointed to a bench made of dark heavy wood.

‘Sit there, Ms Strict will call you when she is ready.’