Next, The Hunter’s account of the scene that he and I played with Bambi last weekend. Her perspective will follow next!
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It was the best of times… It was (for some girls) the worst of times…
I was waiting in Mr Jenkin’s living room when he entered with Alice, the girl I had come to inspect and purchase, for my household staff. Alice nervously answered a few questions about her training, before demonstrating some of the same by pouring (a fantastic) white port for us to drink, whilst we discussed her. Alice seemed nervous, yet compliant- at Mr Jenkins’ instruction, she took us upstairs to her room to continue the inspection. Mr Jenkins left me alone with Alice, to ensure she was, in every aspect, to my satisfaction…
Having undressed and examined Alice quite intimately for any evidence of uncleanliness or ill-health, I explained to her that girls within my staff were expected to comply with any demands placed upon them by the gentlemen of the house or their guests. In order to emphasise this to Alice, she was made to kneel and show her enthusiasm for performing to this standard… When she failed to entirely satisfy my requirements, she was sent to fetch Mr Jenkins… His shock at his hand-picked girl failing to meet expectations, after demanding that she explain to him what had happened, was palpable. 6 strokes of the XH tawse followed, to encourage a girl to follow authority. 2 strokes with a heavy, then a thin cane, ensured this message was entirely conveyed… More so when I was offered the chance to let Alice know that similar punishments occurred within my household. 6 strokes of each had her promising fervently to be no more trouble.
Mr Jenkins explained in more detail to her that she was to stop showing up his training and follow all demands placed upon her- and that he would be leaving the door open to listen in to what followed. With Alice placed enticingly upon the bed, I demonstrated to her that I intended to enjoy every pleasure that a young servant girl could offer- whilst reminding her that she was lucky to have been given this opportunity. She was led back to Mr Jenkins’ study, to conclude the deal- 800 guineas, revised to 750 for her poor conduct (the cruellest part of the evening, I feel!), hastily agreed upon and sealed with a handshake… Alice then sent off to gather her things and prepare for her new life and new employer…