Sapphire's Place - Prudence Walker's " The Inheritor "

The Inheritor

by: Prudence Walker
© 2001

"Well I’ll trade you, if you teach me all about makeup and the other necessities that being female entail, and I’ll teach you Tai chi," said Phoebe, smiling at Michelle’s elated expression.

Chapter 4

Next morning Phoebe awoke feeling great, knowing she had passed the three-day limit of the original sprays program. Getting up, she went and had a shower luxuriating in the hot water as she cleansed herself. After drying herself and dressed in a green silk robe she wandered into the kitchen where Michelle had already made breakfast for the two girls, and had started on her’s.

"I knew you’d be along soon when I heard the shower running, hope you like omelette and coffee for breakfast."

"Yes thanks Michelle, it smells wonderful," she said, sitting down at the table in front of the plate set out. "Are you joining me?"

Michelle laughed, "well I had mine already when I got the girls, but I’ll have another cup of coffee." Sitting down she looked at the two girls as they finished their cereal.

"Do you girls want anything more to eat? If not you can watch TV if you like."

"The girls chorus of no thank you auntie Michelle surprised Phoebe and when they had run into the living room she said to Michelle,

"You seemed to have them under control already."

"Well when I had to help them dress I had little talk I said that we were considering looking after them until they get old enough to move out. I told them that they wouldn’t want for anything as long s they behaved themselves and learned all I had to teach about being female."

"Wow, I thought they would have preferred staying with me, seeing I will be rich."

"I think that they are frightened you might try something else to them, especially if they misbehave. I nearly burst out laughing when they said you were a witch."

Phoebe grinned ruefully saying, "yes that was the first thing I could think of to explain the changes, if they knew they could revert back by going to the HB company I’m sure they wouldn’t be quite so obedient."

"Actually I wouldn’t bet on it being possible anyway," replied Michelle "I think that it’s probable that these forms are resistant to further alteration by any nanite spray."

"Mind you I’m not going to tell them anyway, I don’t want to risk them attempting any sort of experiments, I like them just the way they are."

Phoebe looked searchingly at Michelle, "so you still want to adopt them, be it unofficially at least?"

"Oh yes, they are at a great age I can start their training and having adult minds they should be able to remember it. They should be in school, but as I was teacher, I can do their schooling at home. Anyway, they don’t need it till later, until they need to interact with boys, that is. I hope that by then, they will be comfortable in their new roles.

They sat there nursing their coffees until Bill surfaced, when Michelle stood up and got his bacon and eggs ready. Bill looked over at Phoebe and asked if she was up to going to view her new property.

"Oh yes, I can’t wait to see my new house, hopefully it will be a little bigger than my old place."

"Well as soon as I finish breakfast, we’ll take my car. Nobody will know its us by the car, that’s for sure." Bill replied, between mouthfuls of food.

Michelle looked at her husband and laughed. "I think I need to remind you we have guests and eating with your mouth full isn’t very polite."

Bill had the grace to blush, and apologised to Phoebe, saying,

"I wasn’t thinking, except with my stomach." At which Phoebe laughed.

"Don’t worry about it, remember I was a man till a few days ago."

"I have and idea about further disguising Phoebe," interrupted Michelle, "I still have that long blonde wig from Halloween. If Phoebe wears it may fool anyone watching the property."

"Great idea, why not get her dressed in some of your clothes as well, then we can pretend to be a couple, further confusing the issue."

"Okay just as long as you remember you’re my husband not her’s," laughed Michelle, looking at Phoebe with mock jealousy.

Michelle led Phoebe in to the bedroom where she started pulling out some clothes. Looking at them, Phoebe realised that with a blonde wig and wearing these clothes, even she wouldn’t recognise herself. Michelle's experienced tips greatly aided Phoebe's dressing. Stepping to the mirror revealed an amazing sight. The reflection there revealed a new person altogether. Michelle then adjusted the wig, and brushed it into a mature style. This complimented the clothes Michelle had selected. When she added some subdued, but tasteful makeup, Phoebe disappeared entirely.

"Wow you look great" Bill enthused, "I think this is going to work."

Michelle gave Bill a hug and then turning to Phoebe gave her the can of HB spray "just in case," she whispered in her ear. "Look after yourselves now," she said to them, as they left to get in Bill’s car.

Driving along East Terrace Avenue they made a right turn into New York Avenue, then driving slowly, they came to a ‘T’ intersection. Turning left along East Lake Street, they marvelled at the expensive looking properties facing out towards Chautauqua Lake.

"It’s number 41," Phoebe said, looking at the tag attached to the bunch of keys in her hands.

"Well it looks like your house isn’t just a house," replied Bill, as they stopped at number 41.

"OH-MY-GOD!" Exclaimed Phoebe, as she looked up the driveway leading to the ‘house.’

"Exactly my thoughts," laughed Bill, "I think you’re going to enjoy living here, and is that a boat shed I see? It looks as if it’s attached to the property."

"Oh-boy, I never imagined something this big, I’m going to get lost in this place," Phoebe exclaimed in surprise. They drove slowly towards the front entrance, taking in the immaculate gardens and pathways.

Pulling up at the front door of this mansion like building, Phoebe sat stunned as Bill stepped out and opened the door for her taking her hand like the gentleman he was.

"Come on my dear," as he led her towards the imposing oak door, just as Phoebe was about to try one of the many keys, the door opened and a young woman in a maids outfit about her age, greeted them. Phoebe was taken aback for a moment, but then she told the woman her name and that she believed this was now her property.

"Oh yes Miss Wilson, I’m Karen, the maid although my duties cover more than that…or I was, until now," she said uncertainly. Opening the door, she bid them welcome, saying she would get the others.

"Others?" Phoebe queried, feeling rather confused. "What others?"

"Well there’s Sara the gardener, well she’s more a horticulturist. Catherine—ah—Mrs. Johnson wanted nothing but the best. Then there’s Sandra the butler/driver. Last, but not least is Kim our handy person who does all the maintenance on the house and vehicles and is a handy sailor. Then there’s Pickles the cook, that’s not his real name." She said laughing, "it’s just the nickname we have for him."

"There’s four women staying here full time, plus a cook?" Asked Phoebe, in amazement, wondering who was paying them at the moment.

"Yes, Catherine was all for letting women enter into what would normally be traditionally, a mans job. Right now, the estate is paying for our services until the new owners decide whether to keep us. Please sit down in the Ferguson room--- oops! Sorry, here let me show you." Karen then led them into a spacious room with oil paintings lining the walls, gesturing to the sumptuous leather covered chairs. Turning to Bill she indicated the liqueur cabinet-come-mini bar and said.

"Please make yourself and your wife a drink, while I go and get the others." Then turning she exited the room, leaving them alone, before Bill could explain.

Blushing furiously, Bill asked Phoebe what would she like, as he walked behind the bar. Grinning mischievously, she replied in a sexy voice.

"I’ll have a gin and tonic darling." Almost spoiling the effect with a giggle

Bill looked at her, seeing the twinkle in her eyes, decided to play along.

Pouring out two gin and tonics, he brought them back to where she was sitting, then sat beside her on the lounge suite. Handing her one of the glasses. Before she could sip it, he entwined their arms, looping them, bringing their faces close to each other, as they drank. Bill grinned at her, suddenly the door opened, and they hastily broke apart both blushing a little as the women and the cook entered the room.

Karen introduced Phoebe and Bill to the rest of the staff, saying they were the new owners of the property. The staff looked nervous, they were all thinking the same thoughts, ‘were the new owners going to keep them employed, or was this meeting to be where they get their marching orders,’

Bill spoke up, saying he was only a friend, escorting the real owner indicating towards Phoebe.

Phoebe looked over the staff seeing a petite raven-haired beauty with a glorious tan. Standing up she walked over and took her hand then instead of shaking it, as she would have done when she was a man. She embraced her and said. "Nice to meet you Sara." Then turning to Sandra, a typical blonde bombshell, said. "I do hope we’ll get on well with each other." Turning, she walked to stand in front of Kim another blonde, but with reddish highlights in her hair. She oozed confidence from her statuesque build. She was a perfect 10 in Phoebe’s old standards. Kim started to bring her hand out to shake Phoebe’s, but realised with embarrassment that it have some oil and grease on it. As she started to put it behind her back, Phoebe reached out quickly and grasped it, not worrying about the dirt.

At last, she turned to the cook, seeing a slightly built young man with a white apron on, and a smudge of flour and his face. She smiled and said to him, "I hope to taste the quality of your work soon." He blushed and said.

It will be my pleasure ma’am," he said, with a wide friendly grin.

"Ugh! Please not ma’am, it makes me feel old," she shuddered.

"Please listen for a moment," Phoebe continued, "I have just come into this inheritance and I would like to continue to maintain the status quo as regards your continued employment. Now I would appreciate a tour of the house and property and please use first names I don’t want to be stiff and formal unless I say otherwise."

Phoebe thanked everyone and said they could resume whatever it was they were doing. As the staff filed out, Karen said she would take them around the property immediately, if that would be okay. Phoebe nodded and so Karen started showing them the ‘house.’

"This is the master bedroom," Karen said as she entered what to Phoebe, was more like a mistress’s boudoir. The decor was very feminine, done as it was in pink and lilac. Knickknacks were dotted everywhere; in fact, there was nothing masculine about the room at all. Karen saw the expression on Phoebe’s face and said.

"She lived alone, never married, but she did have the occasional gentleman staying overnight. I did take the liberty of removing most of her personal belongings and put it in boxes in the other bedroom for sorting out. If you like, we can go though it later."

Phoebe looked into the walk-in wardrobe, it was bigger than her bedroom at her other home. A huge vanity lined one wall with lights ringing the huge mirror, there was a wash basin, and the vanity top was covered in all manner of makeup items. Looking to the other wall, she saw loads of expensive looking gowns in all manner of colours and styles hanging off a long rail.

"I didn’t move those," Karen said, "I thought I’d wait to see who would be taking over the place. Some of these are brand new and are very modern." She sighed, and fingered a gown wistfully, I wish I could afford to wear these."

Phoebe turned to Bill, who had been following her though the house and said,

"Bill, I want to stay here tonight, can you arrange some moving people to pack up all my belongings at the other place, and have them sent here?"

"No problem, but you’re sure you want to stay here, what about your uncle?"

"I think with everyone here he won’t try anything, unless he can get me alone."

Turning to Karen, she explained her theory about the deaths of her parents, and the possible threat on her own life, from her uncle. Karen was shocked, and said that they would protect her, as they had protected Catherine. She explained that all the staff had, as a condition of their employment, undergone varied courses of martial arts. Catherine was more than a little paranoid about her safety and wanted people around her, that could protect her at any time.

Bill asked to leave, so he could get things moving along, saying to Phoebe that she seemed in good hands. Phoebe hugged him, thanking him for coming with her and said she’d be in contact with Michelle tomorrow.

Leaving Bill, she continued with her tour. The place was enormous, having a room with an individual en suite for each of the staff. The staff also had their own common room, complete with an adjoining games room. Nearing the rear of the building, Phoebe could smell a delicious aroma wafting though the place. Opening another door following her nose, she came to the kitchen. There, she saw Pickles and Kim in an intimate embrace. Coughing quietly, she grinned, as the pair sprang apart, blushing furiously.

"I’m very sorry ma’am--er--miss," spluttered Pickles, "I was just-----"

"Look no apologies," Phoebe interrupted, "I’m not an ogre, as long as you do your job properly, there will be no problems. The last I want, is to interfere with your love life."

Kim blushed, and said she was on her break and usually had to pay for her treats (meaning the cookies she had in her hand) with a kiss.

"Hmmm," mused Phoebe, "will I have to pay too, to taste some of that delicious bread I smell in the oven?"

Pickles hung his head to hide his embarrassment and Phoebe guessed that he often got paid in that manner. Pickles suddenly remembering rushed to the oven to check on his baking, having been absorbed in certain other things. Opening the oven, he slid a bread paddle in under the loaves, bringing out bread with the most tantalising aroma Phoebe had ever smelled.

"They’ll be too hot for a while, come back in ten minutes and try some then," Pickles said with a smile. "I’ll not charge my usual fee for it," he continued.

Phoebe replied jokingly, that she may pay him any way, if it tasted anything like it smelled. Looking at Pickles blush, she thought to herself. ‘ Strange, that that idea isn’t repugnant to me, to kiss a man. Maybe, I’m accepting this change better than I thought I would.’

15 minutes later the tour finished, Phoebe was directed into the dinning room where lunch was being served. Seeing only one place setting, she asked Karen, whose duties seemed to be more than just a maid, where the others were eating.

"They are in our common room, miss, that’s where we generally eat."

"Hmm, think they’ll mind me coming to eat there too?"

"You want to eat with us?" Karen seemed taken aback at the thought.

"Yes I do, I’d like to think of this as more a family than as a split you/me household."

Well your very welcome to join us, it’s your home now, you can do as you like and we would welcome you to our group, so can get to know you better."

"Thank you, its just I don’t to eat alone, and from now on, I would like for all of us to dine together, whether it be in the common room or the formal dinning room."

Walking into the common room, Phoebe saw the others were already there. She greeted them and repeated what she had told Karen. Kim, Sara, and Sandra all came up to Phoebe and made her feel welcome by giving her a hug. Then showing her where to sit, just as Pickle brought out two large platters, one with the promised fresh bread and another piled high with fresh cookies. On the table were salad items including what looked like and confirmed by tasting, freshly smoked trout. After having tasted a little of each food on offer, Phoebe leaned back from the table, and holding a mug of freshly brewed coffee, she looked at Pickle and smiled.

"I do believe I owe you some payment for that magnificent spread."

Kim, who was just swallowing some coffee, choked as the other women looking at Pickles embarrassed expression burst out laughing.

They said to Phoebe, "Pickles hasn’t started that with you already, has he? We only let him get away with it because he’s so cute." Pickles blushed even darker, mumbling something about not having had any complaints. At which, everyone giggled. Coming to a sudden decision, partly born of curiosity, and partly because she wanted to see how she would feel about it, Phoebe walked over to Pickles and kissed him right on the mouth. The chorus of WOowoOW ‘s from the other girls made them both blush, but Phoebe did find out a couple of things. First, that Pickles was a great kisser, and second, being kissed by a man made her want to experiment more. The feelings that had run though her body had made her shiver in delight.

"Well? What’s the verdict, does he deserve being paid?" Giggled, Sandra.

"Hmm, I think I’ll reserve judgement on that for a while," said Phoebe, Trying to show that it meant nothing to her.

The crestfallen expression on Pickles face, that he hadn’t impressed her, made the others laugh, and relenting, Phoebe joined in. Pickles tried to show nonchalance, but couldn’t hold it long as the girls all came and gave him a quick peck on the cheeks.

As Pickles excused himself, saying he needed to clear things away and start preparations for the evening meal. Phoebe asked the rest of the girls if they would stay a moment.

"I have an idea, I need to sort out some of Catherine’s clothes and I wondered if you would care to help me? I was thinking of sharing them with you if you wanted them and they fit."

The glad cry’s of "oh yes" and "you bet," from the girls was enough to prompt a mass exodus to the main bedroom. There they started pulling things off the racks and doing an impromptu fashion show, holding assorted gowns up against themselves while admiring their reflections in the mirror.

Phoebe wasn’t left out of this as they gathered round her with particular outfits, saying this would look great on her, or this would go with her colouring.

Suddenly realising she was still wearing the wig, she hushed them, saying she wasn’t a blonde. Pulling off the wig, she gave them the explanation her uncle was after the inheritance. After their cries of surprise and disgust about what a dirt-bag the uncle was, Sara spoke up saying she wasn’t surprised. Apparently, he had tried to enlist her help with a bribe when he had visited. He was trying to get inside information on the personal life of Catherine. She had refused and had promptly told Catherine who had shown him the door, and told him he would never own this property.

Getting back to the matters in hand, she let them advise her on what looked good and what didn’t, saying she wasn’t used to wearing such expensive clothes. Finally, everyone had a pile of clothes in front of them, which they had picked out.

Phoebe then said "okay you can have those as long as you do a fashion show for me." The girls looked at each other for a moment then gathered together whispering then, breaking apart they turned to her with a broad grin saying,

"Okay, we will accept your gracious offer, but only if we all do a fashion show."

Phoebe looked at their determined faces and sighed, "all right you win, but you’ll have to help me."

30 minutes later when Phoebe looked in the mirror she was amazed at what new clothes and some expertly applied makeup could do. She looked sophisticated and glamorous and had she been able to look at herself from the male perspective she knew she would have been as hard as a steel bar. Now all she could feel was a sense of pride that this was her body now and that looking nice made her happy. Looking at her image in the mirror, Phoebe knew her days of getting sexually excited over the female form were over. Instead, she found herself thinking of that kiss with Pickles and how it might be fun to find out exactly what a woman felt when she eventually decided to have sex with a man.

Eventually, when Phoebe said she was thirsty, Karen excused herself saying, "she would get afternoon tea. Kim then came up with an idea,

"Why not have a cruise on the lake and have afternoon tea on the boat."

Phoebe said. "Excellent idea, you will join me of course?"

Kim went down to the boat to fire it up, ready for us to board her. Sarah went down to see Karen and tell her the change in plans, while Sara helped Phoebe into some suitable attire.

Walking down to the boat shed with Sara, Phoebe asked how big the property was.

"Well we are on the end of this road and the property extends from there another 300 yards and all the way to the waters edge about and totals about 5 acres. Those fruit trees you see there, are the far boundary and there’s a sizeable garden, which gives us a lot of our fresh veggies. We even have--- um, I mean, you have a glass house, where that tomato and lettuce we had at lunch, came from.

"Wow, I certainly have got a great place here. This boat I have, will it take all of us okay?"

Sara laughed, "it’s a bit of a squeeze, but we’ll manage, it has a name, the boat I mean, Its called the ‘Dreadnought,’ it was named after a type of British fighting ship. As they neared the boat shed, Phoebe was surprised at it’s size, she noted that it went a fair way into the water and had piles that supported the whole thing. A door at the shore allowed access to the interior. Entering the shed, she looked up in shock, stopping so abruptly that Sara bumped into her. The boat was huge, she guessed it at being around 40 feet long. A sleek vessel of an unusual design in white with blue trim, it filled the shed and she could hear the low-throated sound of an engine that reminded her of the race cars at Daytona.

A cheery hail from above her made her glance up. Kim’s grinning face was sticking out of the Bridge. "WELCOME ABOARD" she yelled down at her. Phoebe turned on Sara, looking at her grinning face.

"You, you"---she spluttered, "yes it will be a squeeze, my foot." She lightly punched Sara on the shoulder for her deception then hugged her, saying, "I don’t know whether to laugh or cry."

To be continued