Planning the scene

Cath’s out for a few hours, leaving me in the house to entertain myself and her gorgeous dog. I’ve worn the dog out, so at last I can turn my attentions to planning this afternoon’s scene.

We worked out the basics the night before last: a “girl discovered burgling the villa” idea seemed too impersonal, and so a maid came into play. We mapped out the bare bones of the plot. I’d been waiting for the post to deliver a cheque for 500 Euro; it hadn’t arrived. I’d chased it, only to be told that the letter had indeed been delivered – and signed for – and the cheque cashed in a nearby village. It hadn’t taken too much detective work to ascertain from the courier company that my maid had taken receipt of the delivery, and that the bank had paid the proceeds over into her account (thanks to a rather good forgery of my signature).

I could send her to the police, of course – or deal with the matter myself. Cath added a twist: the young lady concerned would be the niece of the local police chief: she’d do anything to avoid being reported.

So, last night, I took her across the road with a penknife to cut some switches from the trees in the olive grove. By the time she returns, three of them will be stripped of their leaves and taped into the local equivalent of a birch. I’ll ask her about the cheque; she’ll presumably deny all knowledge. I’ll reveal that I know what happened; she’ll confess her guilt.

I’ll lecture her sternly, take the newspaper she’s left on the side and read out the sentences that other girls have received lately from the courts for theft. She’ll plead not to be sent to the police. I’ll offer her an alternative, which she’ll gladly accept. She’ll be made to bare herself, and to stretch out over the table at which I’m presently writing this.

The whipping will be particularly severe.

Afterwards, she’ll dress, and I’ll make her sit opposite me. (It’s a shame the dining room chairs are so comfortable. I must look to see if there are harder ones anywhere in the house). And then I’ll hand-write a letter for her to take home to her father, explaining the circumstances. (We’re going out for dinner after playing; I suspect by the time we return, the maid’s uncle may well have been informed, and a bedtime strapping may ensue).