Zephyr 18: Demimondaine

Eriol popped the diskette in and opened the first file.



Knowing how to sit, talk and laugh with grace and finesse. Knowing one's table manners. Knowing how to exchange nugatory pleasantries with strangers. Dressing properly.

It was a life of routine. Tamara didn't want this. In her opinion, the things held highly by the people around her were frivolous. She didn't care about those things at all. She was happy already staying all day supervising the housekeeping of the manor, taking care of Rosemary and doing her needlework. And being a good wife to Earl.

"Mistress!"

She blinked. Nadine was looking at her testily. She smiled at her apologetically.

The maidservant groaned. "All this time, you never heard a single word I said?"

"S-Sorry."

"OK, we'll cut the lesson short." Nadine stretched. "It's time to engage in my favorite eating, which is.."

"..eating," she replied for her.

Nadine was a patient teacher, but it wasn't enough to mkae learning social graces and etiquette easy. She simply had no interst on it.

Speaking of food, she still had to prepare a special dinner for Earl. She went to the kitchen and started to take her cooking utensils out.

Nadine grinned teasingly. "Another dinner especial?"

"It's our 2nd wedding month anniversary," she explained. "So tonight, I'll be cooking up something he would never forget."

"Why do I have a feeling that we're not just talking about food here?" remarked the maid.



Hours later, Tamara was beginning to worry. Her husband should have been here 2 hours ago. She looked at the merciless hands of the clock and back at the food she prepared that turned cold already. She was still for a moment, straining to hear the familiar sound of her husband's car engine.

Nothing.

She stood up, biting her lips to keep herself from crying. She blew the lighted scented candles and sadly cleared the beautifully-decorated table. She threw the bouquet of flowers she picked from the garden at the trash can and retreated to her bedroom.



Tamara was awaken from her sleep when she heard the sound of Earl's car. Despite her earlier resolve to give him the silent treatment, she excitedly fled down the stairs and opened the front door.

"Good evening, Mrs.Harrison, or is it morning already?" Kathrine Mackenzie drawled, then looked at Earl who she was holding steady. "Your husband was stubborn. I told him hours ago that he already should go home to his nice little wife, but it seemed he just can't have enough of my..company.." her words trailed off, a devilish smile on the woman's perfectly made-up face.

Tamara quietly took Earl from his secretary's arms and helped him to remain standing. "T-Thanks for bringing him home."

Kathrine laughed cattily. "God, are you for real? I just said your husband and I spent the whole night together and all you can say is that?"

"Do you have anything more worthy to say, Ms.Mackenzie? If not, then can we just all go to sleep? We all need rest you know," said Tamara wearily.

The auburn-haired woman sighed. "I guess I'll go then. Allow me to give youa piece of advice though. Earl may find youa satisfying partner now, but sooner or later he would grow bored of you. And just like his other toys he played with, he'll discard you like a piece of junk." She tossed her Earl's car keys. "I warned you so you won't get caught off guard when that time comes. Earl Harrison is scared of commitments, and you are one of those."

Tamara weakly shut the front door. She was severely stung by those words. With the little strength left in her, she helped her husband up the bedroom.



Earl's thoughts were disoriented. He remembered not being able to work properly the whole day in the office because he was excited about something. He just couldn't exactly remember what it was, but it was surely important.

Kathrine then offered hima shot of whiskey, and then everything blacked out.

He felt that his body was moving up. He dizzily looked around. Where was he? How did he get here from the office?

He then felt himself being laid down the bed. His vision focused on a familiar face.

Tamara.

He was home.

It felt so good knowing he was back home with his loving wife.

He pulled her down towards him and kissed her hungrily.



Tamara was startled when he pulled her down suddenly and kissed her fiercely, taking her breath away. She felt everything in her jump out of its place as she melted helplessly in his arms.

The next thing she knew, he was on top of her, smiling at her affectionately. "Hi Tamara," he murmured as he rained butterfly kisses on her face.

She cupped his face. "Why were you late? Don't you remember that you have a date with me tonight? It's our anniversary."

He was genuinely shocked. "So that's it! That is my appointment tonight."

"You forgot," she whispered.

"I'm sorry," he said sincerely.

"You were with Ms.Mackenzie," she said accusingly.

A naughty smile played on his lips. "Ah, my nagging wife is jealous."

Her cheeks flared. "I am your wife now. I should be the only one in your life."

"If you say so," he said huskily, sending electricity all over her body. "I'll fire her first thing in the morning."

"I'm serious!"

"So am I." He stroked her face delicately with his thumb. "I'll do anything my darling wife will say. I'll do anything and everything in my power just to make you happy."

Instantly, her anger dissipated. When he kissed her again, she responded whole-heartedly.



The passion was over for the night. As Earl gazed at his sleeping wife, he felt a pang of guilt wash all over him again. How could he forget their anniversary date tonight?

He touched her hair gently. "I'm sorry. I'll make it up to you, I promise."

He silently vowed that from now on, he would act as a better husband to her.



Eriol opened the next document.

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