“You don’t remember? Jeez, I really put you in subspace.” He swung his legs out of bed.
I scratched my head, trying and failing to reconstruct the fuzzy conversation. “So…how many guests, exactly?”
Jason burst out laughing.
Chapter 15. Being on Show
Grand social occasions had become a common occurrence in our calendar. Demanding public functions, where we morphed into Mr and Mrs Lucas mode: meeting and greeting, offering polite interchanges of nonpersonal information and the obligatory publicity snapshot.
One major function was the winter ball staged by Jason’s charitable foundation every December. My first ball, before I married Jason, had ended with an attempted abduction, a murder, and a small knife wound in my side. Not an auspicious occasion for me.
The following year, the venue had been changed to help banish my haunting memories. Jason had no problem with moving to a different hotel. The new venue had a modern setting, with glass walls, avant-garde décor, and halogen lights rather than garish chandeliers. Gone, too, were the masks, tuxedos, and ball gowns, the garments I associated with my near demise. Party frocks and formal wear were sufficient. The evening had a feel of an executive party rather than a ball, making it easier for me to attend.
My attendance was obligatory. I was expected to be there on Jason’s arm, greeting his guests and smiling non-stop, wearing my gold chain with a tear pendant encrusted with rubies and diamonds. Another present from my generous husband to substitute for my usual kink-identifiable collar necklace.
As the years passed, my confidence grew, and I mingled on my own. I had learnt how to deal with large-scale events. Gone, too, was Jason’s requirement I be within arm’s reach—I’d no doubt others watched me constantly. Opting to offer my cheek for a kiss or my hand for a delicate shake, I negotiated my way round the rooms with poise and a classiness my mother would never have thought possible.
We made a fine couple, Jason and I, regal almost in our appearance and quite efficient in our operations. I concentrated on wives and the elderly, wealthy patrons, fluttering my eyelashes when they mentioned impending donations to Jason’s worthy causes, while Jason circulated amongst the executives. The pattern was the same each year.
While the ball occupied our winter calendar, in our diary for the summer was my father-in-law’s retirement do. The formal affair took place in the Old Hall at Lincoln’s Inn. A banquet to which numerous lawyers, judges, and other legal personages had been invited to mark Clive’s decision to cease his career while he still had his health and sufficient money to enjoy life. Jason and I had been invited, along with Jason’s barrister brother, Michael, and his new girlfriend, Rebecca. We sat alongside his parents at the top table, watching the presentations of gifts and listening to anecdotes of Clive’s more illustrious court cases.
Circulating afterwards, I was introduced to the world of judiciary. I didn’t feel comfortable being in the company of so many judges as it reminded me of being in a church with lots of priests. Could they see through me, see what I did? Was I a victim of domestic abuse or a whore in their eyes? Jason seemed to be relaxed, displaying his charming persona. Having studied law, he was at home with the legal professionals, even if their expertise was in criminal law and his was in commercial.
“This is Judge Thompson.” Clive introduced us to yet another aging gentleman with a poker face and a firm handshake.
“Pleasure to meet you,” I said for the umpteenth time.
Clive drifted away.
Jason shook Judge Thompson’s hand with a wry smile. “How are you, Brian?” he asked.
“Good, thank you, Jason. Still finding my way on the bench. Very different from being a barrister, but it was the right move.”
“Claude said you cancelled your membership,” said Jason, referring to the manager of his BDSM club, the Nightshade.
I f
roze and sensed the deepening colouration effect pass over my face. I ducked my head, thankful I wasn’t wearing my collar necklace.
“A pity, but necessary. Too busy, for one thing. So much to bloody read all the time. Fortunately, I have a visitor from time to time. It works well; she’s very discreet.”
“The good ones generally are. Obedient, too,” said Jason, giving my hand a squeeze.
“Must circulate.” The judge grinned, gave me a wink, and moved off.
I glanced at Jason and cocked my head at the departing man.
“My darling, the legal profession is notorious for liking a little corporal discipline, both tops and bottoms. What they can’t do in the courts—” Jason cut short his aside. Clive had returned with another hand to shake.
The banquet was the official retirement party. A week later, we had to attend the unofficial family one at Clive and Audrey’s home.
I had offered to lay the table in the dining room while everyone else sat in the garden. Keen to pull my weight, I detested sitting around doing nothing while Audrey beavered away. Jason followed me in with a tray of dirty cups and deposited it in the kitchen.
“Do you know where everything is?” he asked, before I headed to the dining room.
“I’m sure I’ll manage.”
I surveyed the room and removed the vase and bouquet from the table. From the doorway, Jason watched, and I couldn’t help the brazenness rising inside me. Being away from Blythewood at weekends frustrated us both—life had become dull. I didn’t resent visiting family, however, I wished we could be more ourselves in their company.