Social Testing

Chapter Three

It was then two weeks later that Millicent again found herself before that same carved door. This time her servant Monica stood silently behind her, wearing her freshly cleaned and ironed secretaries uniform. Abruptly Millicent’s nose crinkled from a foul smell that struck it, for something had apparently died nearby. Obviously some time ago as it was now ripe to her nose and very offensive. That such a stench would be allowed to remain in such a high class neighborhood amazed her. Still her time as a slave, as short as it had been, had exposed her to much worse scents, as had her training at Madam Maxine’s. So lifting the knocker again she struck two times, the correctly allotted number for one of her minor importance. It was a few minutes before her knock was answered, so long in fact that she was about to turn and leave. Again the greyhound answered that door.

“Ah. Mrs. Bryzov-Wei” Herbert the Butler said in greeting, opening the door wide for her. “And Miss Green as well, how wonderful. Please excuse my tardiness, you see I was on the second floor.”

“Certainly” Millicent answered, favoring the elderly greyhound with her warmest smile. “Not even the King expects to always be answered instantly. We all have our duties, and you certainly do not spend all your life waiting at a door simply for my appearance. Please, think nothing of it.”

“You are very kind Miss Bryzov-Wei” he agreed. “If the two of you will come with me please?” He led her not to the parlor where she had gone the first time, but to a smaller room filled with maps, and that disagreeable scent was as strong within the house as without. ‘Poor Lady Lawrence’ the feline thought as she walked. ‘To be forced to live with such a smell.’ As she stepped into the room Herbert shut the door behind them and Lady Lawrence looked up from a paper in her paws, setting it aside as she stood to greet Millicent.

Taking Millicent’s paws in her own she looked down into the younger felines eyes. “Thank you for coming” the afghan said in greeting. “I fear that two of my earlier appointments have failed to arrive, for twice no one was at the door when Herbert answered it. I have had him quite busy preparing rooms today as I expect visitors quite soon.”

“It may be the scent Lady Lawrence” Millicent explained. “It is most disagreeable.”

“It does not bother you?” the afghan asked. “Or your maid?”

“It is disagreeable Lady Lawrence. Yet I have been forced to live in worse. Monica I am afraid, will not leave my side without direct orders. I fear that is my fault, thus she must accept what I accept.”

“I see.” Picking up a bell lady Lawrence rang it. In a moment Herbert stepped in. “You may seal away the Butyric acid now. Until our next visitor is due.”

“Immediately Lady Lawrence” the butler agreed before he left. There was, Millicent noted, a look of relief on the hounds face.

“Butyric acid Lady Lawrence?” Millicent asked.

“It is the stench that you smell” the afghan explained. “In a few minutes the air will clear, it is of course a test. If one cannot stand the smell, then one cannot expect to stand the scents of diplomatic service. Such as in certain Arabic nations and lower areas in India and China for example.”

“Or Kuo Han slave quarters” the feline added. “You asked that I bring Monica with me. As I am certain that there is a reason, will you be so kind as to explain?”

“Call it an old woman’s interest” Lady Lawrence answered. “I have a question for your servant, should you allow.”

Millicent turned to look at Monica a moment, then returned her gaze to the much older hound. “As long as it does not violate her oaths, I see no fear in agreeing to your request.”

“Very well. Monica. Would you defend your Lady with your life?” the hound asked.

“Yes Lady Lawrence” the vixen answered. Abruptly her eyes went wide as the hound removed a pistol from somewhere, beginning to aim it at Millicent. “Millie” she screamed, throwing herself at the Afghan, thus placing her young body between that weapon and the feline she served.

There was but a snap of metal upon metal as Lady Lawrence sidestepped. Yet still Monica managed to grab the revolver, ripping it from the older woman’s paw before slamming into the wall behind Lady Lawrence. She lay there dazed, but very much alive.

“And that proves that” the hound announced as she turned to face Millicent, only to find herself facing the felines deadly blade. “Ah, the stiletto” she observed, apparently unfazed by the deadly object. “Has it tasted blood as yet?”

“Several times Lady Lawrence” Millicent admitted. “Including The Levelers. Yours as well, had that weapon been loaded.”

“No” the hound answered. “I fear not.” She waved to her left, where her butler was now standing. An American model 1911 automating was held quite competently within his paw. “You see Herbert would have shot you, had you not stopped when you did. Herbert, you may put it away now.”

“Monica?” Millicent asked, concern in her voice as the greyhound carefully safed his weapon, then vanished.

“Bruised” the vixen admitted as she stood slowly. “Battered. Nothing broken my Lady.”

Stepping away from Lady Lawrence Millicent re-sheathed her blade, causing the older hounds eyes to open in astonishment as she realized where the feline carried her weapon. When she was ready, which took only moments, Millicent then moved over to Monica to help her re-adjust her clothing. “I fear that we have over extended our welcome dear Miss Green. Come, we are going home.”

“Please sit” the afghan corrected softly. “Truly, it was a test. One that you both passed with ease. Please, how long has she been in love with you?”

“I do not know” Millicent admitted. “Miss Green, are you truly well?”

Nipping her upper lip the vixen stretched carefully. “My right shoulder hurts Mam, but is not broken” she decided.

Guiding her to a soft chair Millicent retrieved the revolver from her servant, then stepped back. “Then sit, I feel that I prefer to stand.” Turning her attention back to her hostess she hefted the revolver. “This has never been fired” she noted.

“Then you have been well trained” the hound agreed. That information seemed to please her greatly. Sitting herself she indicated a chair opposite her. “You may sit now Mrs. Bryzov-Wei. All tests are over for today. But I wonder, had Herbert shot you?”

“My last act would have been to spear your heart with my blade” Millicent answered. “His weapon would kill me yes. I accept that. But not before you joined her in death. She walked up to the desk, carefully setting the revolver upon the hounds blotter before returning to the indicated chair. Looking at it she mused aloud. “Binary poison, with the second factor applied to the taxi we return in? Or a meal later. Poisoned needles? Automatic bindings or does that little rug cover a trap door I wonder.”

Lady Lawrence laughed, a full throated laugh that surprised both her guests. “You think of it, yet you do not fear it” the hound said when she could talk again.

Millicent turned around, settling into the chair. “Lady Lawrence my wife has been quite clear. I will die. Wither it be by her paw or another’s does not in truth matter. All who breath die, once I feared death. Since Tatiana, I accept this will occur. A year ago? No. Now? My lady, after Kuo Han I am much changed. I fear I may no longer have much value to the Crown. This saddens me, but what is, is.”

“I see. And how long have you called your servant Miss Green?” their Hostess asked.

Millicent looked over to her shivering servant, wishing that she could hold the vixen in her arms but knowing that it would be a terrible mistake to do so. “About two minutes Lady Lawrence, she has just earned the right. Now and forever.”

“I see.” The hound smiled yet again. “Miss Green, would you like a glass of Sherry?”

Monica looked over to Millicent, who nodded yes. Only then did she face the hound and speak. “Brandy Lady. Should you have it.”

“Herbert, a brandy for the brave vixen, and a large one please” Lady Lawrence called. Then she returned her attention to Millicent. “My dear I have read the reports on you. All the reports. As I do every young lady who comes to my attention. As I have for nearly thirty two years now. Nothing that is spoken within these walls today goes anywhere. I fear though, I have but an hour and three quarters of your time. You truly went to that beach on Main Island of your own free will?”

“I did My Lady” Millicent started, when the hound waved her paw to stop.

“Ruth dear. Today, this time. Please” the hound asked.

“Very well. Ruth, as you request My Lady.” Millicent accepted a small glass brought her by the butler, noting that the Brandy he had given Monica was more than she had ever drunk at one time before. Thank God she had made the girl eat a large meal before coming. “I did so, though I was so afraid that when the dart struck my buttocks I much lost my waters.” She sat the drink aside, it being wine and remembering Tatiana’s constant pounding that she should not drink while in important conversation.

“I see” Lady Lawrence whispered, accepting her own drink. A Sherry Millicent noted. “And what are your feelings of slavery?”

“I am against it Lady... Ruth” Millicent answered. “I can see that in extremely rare cases. In extreme and very specialized cases that it has its place. It is not something that I myself wish to be involved with have I the choice. Upon either side.”

“Ah, and the three vixens?” the older hound asked. “I believe they are now called Orange, Apple and Cherry?”

“You are privy to very private information” the feline noted, feeling ice fill her veins. “An example only” she admitted. “Those papers are destroyed. They may live their lives under that false shadow, but they will never treat another as they did my Miss Green.”

Opening a folder on her desk the hound withdrew two items, a slim envelope the kind used for inter-office messages, and a magazine. She held the magazine up, its front cover facing Millicent. ‘HOT FUR’ its title screamed. On its cover were the three vixens, covered in sand and nothing else. ‘Punishment Detail in the Abysmal Sea.’ Millicent felt her heart flutter, she had expected to be confronted by that issue at some time, but never by someone like Lady Lawrence.

“I will have my own copies of that series” Millicent noted. “There are to be four issues, all with an address to order copies of the best photographs There are a total of eighty of them, some taken by myself. That issue is already in my bedroom at my fathers house. It does them fair service as in truth, they are not quite as pretty as all that. Then, they had over four hundred snaps to work with after all. I have the full set, 470 photographs. My mother quite enjoyed looking through them while I was at home and plans to show them to father next summer when he is home.”

“And yourself” the hound asked, setting the magazine aside before beginning to open her envelope.

“My wife has certain photographs of myself. To remember what awaits her when we again are one” the feline admitted. “To keep her from straying too far I hope, though I shall not be angry should she find it necessary. I was never able to fully sate her hunger, no matter how hard I tried. It is possible that copies of those photographs were slipped out the back door by Prudence’s dorm. Such happens. Then there are the explicit snaps taken of me at the slave training camp by he who bought me. I am certain that my purchaser was a British citizen, one who may live in England herself. Most certainly those photographs have been released.”

Lady Lawrence paused. “These I am unaware of” she admitted. “Yet it does not bother you?”

“It does Rose, oh yes it very much does but I can do nothing about it” the feline admitted. “It has come to my attention that there are things which I have tight control of, things I have some control of and things that I have no control of. As Sergeant Proud instructed me I must choose my battles with care. I must always be certain that I have the ability to win before engaging in battle. If I do not, then I must step aside and move on.”

“Very good advice” Lady Lawrence agreed. “And will you fight this battle?” She offered Millicent three photographs. Standing, the feline accepted them.

Studying the photographs the feline hissed softly. “They were to be destroyed” Millicent whispered, checking each one. “This ruins them. Forever.”

“But you will not fight this” the hound asked. There was concern in her voice, though not much.

Setting the photographs back upon the hounds desk Millicent thought carefully before answering. “Not today” she decided. “Later. Should I have the power I will find a way to prove them false.”

“Really?” Lady Lawrence laughed softly. “I do not think that possible. These are copies of official documents. There will soon be too many to effectively track down all and you haven’t the power yet to even begin to try.”

“If I do not try, then I have ruined forever three lives that did not deserve the ruining” Millicent answered.

“Answered as I could wish.” Lady Lawrence stood. As she did her butler re-appeared, opening two sets of bookcases as though they were doors. A fact that proved to be true as behind those doors was a very large map of the world. Accepting an ebony pointer from the Greyhound Lady Lawrence pointed at the map. “Japan desires her own colonial empire thus she nibbles at China. As does Italy, who feeds upon Africa. France is still building fixed defenses while Germany builds up and Russia is ruled by a mad-bird. Who do we stand with and why?”

“May I?” Millicent asked softly, she indicated the map, which had many pins and flags upon it.

“I wish that you would” the hound agreed.

Her butler Millicent noted, now had a book and pen in paw. ‘More than a butler, as Monica is more than a simple secretary.’ “Monica, you will please take notes?” she asked.

“Of course Mrs. Wei” the vixen agreed. Her voice was clearer than Millicent had hoped, yet she dared not turn to check upon her servant. Still the movements behind her sounded quick and efficient.

“Very well then.” Walking up to the map Millicent carefully read the flags, surprised by what was there and what wasn’t. It was not, she abruptly realized, a military map. A memory came to her that the Home Office had often requested information from the TIMES during the Great War. For some reason the TIMES information was faster in coming and much more accurate than their own agents. This then must be much the same. She reached down to withdraw one flag from the East coast of Africa. “She died of Blackwater” she informed her Hostess. “That was not a trick. Tatiana mourned her loss with all of Songmark.”

“I wondered. But without conformation...” Lady Lawrence gave a soft frown. “A loss.”

Turning back to the map Millicent felt her tail twitch in annoyance. What could she tell this woman and what must she hide from her? “Russia has thrown out all their Priests, those that they did not simply murder or send to the salt mines. Other than a pawfull in deep hiding they have been hunted down and dealt with.” She indicated a small group of flags with Orthodox crosses on them. “That is probably wrong. I would have to ask Tatiana, but that is a... A, I am sorry. I cannot tell you. Tatiana has given me information that I do not yet believe is safe to release.” She looked at the older woman. “Safe for Tatiana.”

“You would withhold information from the Crown?” Lady Lawrence asked.

“From the Crown never” Millicent admitted. “Yet we must both admit that neither you or your butler are the Crown.”

“Point taken dear. Please continue.”

Was that humor in her voice Millicent wondered. “Very well. Given what I know, much which I am unable to offer you I fear as at this time much is based upon third paw information. Thus highly unreliable, I would suggest that you stand with Cipangu and the United States. It is felt that France will fall this time and quickly. Though it will take something powerful to drag the United States into a war again, I feel that this may occur.”

“I see. Cipangu? An interesting suggestion” the hound admitted. “Specifics?”

Millicent shook her head no. “My information is from my Mother in Law” she admitted. “Who is, she herself admits, reading from the Spirit World. At this moment though, although Cipangu is invading China it is open knowledge that they are actively avoiding all American and British interests. So much so that the Chinese have begun invading such interests, throwing all Euro’s out in order to have a safe haven.” She turned to her hostess. “This I think will work in their favor, until Britain or the United States react poorly to the events. Then they will crush those areas. Should it occur too soon there will be war between Cipangu and America. It may be up to England to make the first move. In the least to treaty with Cipangu to ‘relieve their property.’ America being America will soon follow. The choice at this time is of course, fully ours.”

“And the other countries I mentioned?”

Millicent stepped away from the map. “Italy I do not know. I have of course been carefully briefed, but in the short time since my first visit not enough has soaked into my thick skull to allow a usable comment. I have heard that a certain Songmark Lady has begun to influence their leader. Which way she may guide him I cannot know.” She glanced at the hound a moment. “Maria and I have an understanding. We may one day become fast friends but at this moment she would no more trust me with state secrets than you would.

She glanced over at the ‘Butler’ a moment than turned and looked away from the map, directly at her hostess. “I took the wrong steps with Lady Allworthy upon our first meeting. That was my error, one I continually pay for. Though I will admit that we have settled our differences, where I stand with her is still unknown to me. I do though know that she has a very powerful right paw, and a strong feeling as to where all ‘little tarts’ should stand in regards to Crown and Country. One I must admit again, that I agree with. Where Maria stands in her heart. I fear I know her barely enough to speak too without introductions. I could never say.”

Walking past Millicent Lady Lawrence took her seat, motioning for her two guests to do the same. “And the rest of Lady Allworthy’s little band?”

“Molly’s destruction is not false. I had met her before, enough to understand a little of her emotions. She was Honored Mother Oharu’s great weakness and she felt that I was Amelia’s. Thus we met several times that Lady Allworthy is not aware of, I think. These meetings were never pleasant for me.” Millicent picked up her wine, studying it as the light reflected from the liquid. “I met her after the event. Those were two extremely different women. She was polite to me Lady Lawrence, whatever happened to that young American it ripped her apart. Helen, she is married to a Spontoonie thus her loyalty is obvious. Having no family of any matter in America she has chosen to make one on Spontoon. And she, like Lady Allworthy, is dangerous. More than simply physically. Exceptionally dangerous.”

“I see. And what of Spontoon itself. Is it true that the Priestess’s rule that land?” the hound asked.

Millicent glanced at her watch, noting the time before answering. “Spontoon is ruled by at least three legs Lady Lawrence. The Althing, the Priestess’s and another. Though I am not trusted enough to be allowed to know who, not without finding myself in the obituaries tomorrow morning that is.” Again she sat her untouched glass down, looking over at the butler for a moment. Gaging him. “The Priestess’s do not rule anyone. Mother Oharu was very adamant about this. ‘We remember, we teach, we guide. We make no laws, we enforce no laws upon other than our own selves. We serve, no more. No less.’” She returned her attention to the hound. “There are seven minutes left before your next visitor. If you are to prepare in time, we must leave in no more than four. Your real question Lady Lawrence?”

“Very astute. Very well.” The hound returned those photographs to her folder, as well as the magazine. “There are two. One. What will you do with your little slaves? There is no advancement for them now, in any service.”

“I will have to ponder that Lady Lawrence. Perhaps draw them into my own service as I find myself able to support them as they deserve.”

Nodding her head in agreement the hound let her eyes flicker to her butler a moment. “A good decision. Finally. What makes you think that you would make a good Diplomat.”

“Nothing” the feline admitted. “It is my greatest dream. My lifes desire. It is what I have worked forward towards since I was ten. I can not say that I would ever be a good diplomat Lady Lawrence, but I will be the absolute best that I and my future staff can make me.”

Standing the hound indicated the door. “It has been an enlightening time Mrs. Wei. Please inform your benefactor that my answer will be at his door on the morning. And do have a doctor look at your secretary. She may only be bruised, but that was a powerful impact that she took.” She reached out a paw as Millicent stood to leave. “And a good choice with the wine, it was heavily drugged, though not the brandy. I would never waste good brandy that way. Have your secretary take it with her please. I would hate for her to waste such a delightful beverage.”

“The wine was cloudy in the sunlight” Millicent admitted. “Tatiana warned me to watch for that. ‘Cheap and drugged wine are cloudy. Drink neither.’ I could not believe that you would serve cheap wine. I thank you for our time. Good day.”

“Good day Millicent..” the hound leaned over slightly, speaking for the felines ear only. “And if you have not yet taken her, she has earned that this day. She expected death.”

Declining to answer that whisper, Millicent and her vixen servant followed the butler out. Monica offered the goblet to the greyhound as they reached the door, but he gave her a fatherly smile and lifted a paw in negation. “It is the best Cognac. Please, a gift from the Lady should never be returned.”

“But the goblet” Monica asked.

“If you wish, empty and cleaned upon your next visit. Or you may keep it as a gift” the greyhound answered. “Today you earned the Lady’s respect. Very few servants ever do that, do not waste that respect.” He looked at the waiting feline. “And you Mrs. Wei. Very professional. Not only have you good teachers, you listen.”

“And you are no simple butler” Millicent noted.

“I am a butler” the greyhound answered. “Yet you are right. As your Miss Green will one day be more than a secretary. I am thus more than a butler. Now I must beg your leave as I have that horrid bottle to open again.”

Accepting that their time was over the two walked to the street. There Millicent waited as two empty taxis passed by, then had Monica flag the third. “Too much Sherlock Hound” the vixen whispered as she carefully entered the vehicle. For she dared not spill a drop of her drink, its taste was simply too fine.

“Perhaps” Millicent agreed. “Yet it helped me through that madhouse. Now sit back and enjoy your drink as I do not wish you to still be drunk tonight.”

“Yes Mrs. Wei” the vixen agreed, sipping her drink while going through Millicent’s calendar for the day. She wondered if something had come up that the feline had forgotten to inform her of. For in her mind she could remember nothing scheduled after dinner.