Social Testing

Chapter Six

And thus it went for the next long, oh so long five days. By the end of that testing Millicent had come to the decision that, whatever is was that a Diplomat needed she most certainly did not have it. She had been tested each and every day, at all hours of the day and night. Tested by different people, some agreeable, most not, dragged out of bed after only a very little sleep to deal with trumped up emergencies, then forced to continue the next day without sleep. That detestable greyhound Lord Carlton had visited every day without fail. He had continually attempted to advance his case for her affections, even to the point of guaranteeing her a high position in the Corps for just one night with her. It had taken all she had not to blatantly show her anger, as more than once an ‘errant paw’ had touched where it should not. Until finally, completely without emotion she had agreed upon one night. Under a single condition, that she be allowed to keep a single souvenir of the encounter.

A brilliant smile blossomed upon Lord Carlton ’s face, until he heard what that souvenir would be. At that, he had back-pedaled so quickly that he had almost fallen.

“You are mad woman” the greyhound accused.

Millicent had smiled, brushing away a fallen lock of hair from her face. “Of course I am My Lord” she had answered. “Yet certainly it is but a small thing I wish to keep. Nothing of that great of an importance to anyone after all.”

Carlton had reddened. His anger so close to the surface that Millicent was certain that he would attack her. Then, quite suddenly he had broken out in laughter. “You are more woman that I have ever met Mrs. Wei. Gods help I ever meet your wife.”

“It would be a rather short meeting” the housecat had warned.

“Very well, I am done here. You have been tested, you will be advised of your fate Mrs. Wei by five pm. My word on this.” He had actually bowed to her, then picked up his top-hat and departed. At the sound of the door closing Millicent had fallen to tears. She had tried so hard, yet she had never managed to appease more than a quarter of her testers. In many cases she had come within an inch of losing her temper, in one case had actually run the poor man out. In his case she might have been more polite, but he hadn’t bathed in weeks and was demanding that she sign a paper written in a language that she could not read. Millicent had then spent half an hour retching, finally changing clothing in order to be presentable for her next ‘visitor.’ It had been maddening, the entire week had been beyond stressful. Being woken early in the morning by ‘important visitors’ and given archaic documents to study, then being quizzed about their contents for hours at a time.

Millicent had simply been overwhelmed. Completely overwhelmed by the time that hated greyhound had pressed again his desires. It was why she had made her demand, a demand that, as a proper Lady she never would have in polite society. Then, Lord Carlton certainly could never be considered ‘polite society.’ His desires were the most basic, of the most disgusting kind for a married woman.

“Monica” she called, wanting the vixens company at this moment.

“Anon Mrs. Wei” the younger vixen called from upstairs. There was soon the sound of leather shoes on wood as the housecats servant hurried down,. She arrived slightly off balance, but with pad and pencil in paw. “You wish to write a letter?” Monica asked. For Millicent only seemed to call her during the day when she wished to do such.

“Not at the moment. Pack weekend bags for the both of us, we are finally going to visit Mr. Dasher’s wives.”

“Your testing” the vixen asked, not too subtly reminding her employer of her responsibilities.

“I will have a letter by five pm Monica” Millicent explained. “Lord Carlton has so promised me.” She took a breath before continuing. “I fear dear Monica, that whatever a Diplomat must have that I do not have it. Lord Carlton as much as told me this himself.”

Closing her eyes the vixen held her own council. She was the housecats servant and sometimes lover. It was not her place to express her own opinion of the Greyhound, or anything or anyone else. Not unless asked, and Millicent had not asked. “Will we be returning then to Spontoon” she finally asked.

“No. I fear not. I haven’t the money for a single ticket, certainly never two and I shall never abandon you.” She had no idea how important those words were to her vixen servant. “And, well you see at this time Tatiana cannot be bothered by me. She is in her third year, this she has informed me will be her most trying time. Then she has that mission that she has agreed to with the other Songmark graduate Ash. No, I fear that we will be retiring to my parents home, at least until I may find gainful employment elsewhere. Now hurry off and bring my purse, I must go arrange tickets for us on the train while you pack.”

Millicent laid a bare hand on the table after her servant had departed, feeling the energy within her wash away. All her remembered life she had wanted to be like her father. She had looked up to him and the work he did. Walking in his tracks was the one thing she had hoped to do, even with her crippling mental problem. Mother Oharu had shown her how to control that, control it but not destroy it. She knew that one day her tatty would feast upon her body, and in such know Millicent’s greatest love. Still, with her darkness now in chains she had so hoped. It was, the housecat realized as her tail fell flat to the floor, not going to happen.

A sound brought her eyes up, her body returning to that self assured woman of this morning. It was Lord Bromley and she did not wish him to see her so defeated. He had been so kind, so supportive and he had shared his private library, his correspondence, his mind. All it appeared for naught. “My lord” she said in greeting as he came into the room. “You are well?” she continued politely.

“Perhaps better than yourself” the old bulldog answered. “Have you bad news then? You did not appear happy when I first saw you.”

Millicent gave the older male a wan smile, the best she could manage. “Lord Carlton made it abundantly clear My Lord, that if I did not share his bed... Well, my chances at a career in the field of Diplomacy would be limited to that of scrubbing toilets at best. I will not humiliate my wife or family by taking such a path, so it is home to hearth and housework at my parents home. At least until I may find a legal source of income.”

Lord Bromley nodded in agreement. “Those who belittle themselves, smear their morals simply for a position. They do exist I fear. Have, always will. It is an honor to meet one who would give up her dreams rather than debase them. I think, Mrs. Wei, that there are certain things that should be brought to your attention before you depart. Will you give me, oh. Three hours of your time?”

Looking at the older bulldog Millicent found herself again trusting him. Her tail lifted, if only so little. ‘Perhaps’ she thought, daring to hope just that little. ‘Perhaps back to Spontoon and return to her position as Most Secret courier. That would be so wonderful, to again be with Tatiana and in such a wonderful nation.’

“Three hours? Of course sir” she answered. “What should I wear sir?”

“Your traveling clothing will be fine Mrs. Wei” the older bulldog answered. “Though you will need your cape as it is rather blustery today. You may bring your secretary, should you think you need her.”

“I would prefer to bring her” Millicent admitted. “My reputation, such as it is, if nothing else.”

“Then by certain bring your servant” the bulldog agreed. “Your reputation is important, should you enter the higher ranks you will most certainly need such.”