Mistress Of All Masters

"Take him, as you must, all-devouring Time. Yet leave the fruits of his genius untouched."

December 20th, Day of Saint Dominic of Silos.Months ago, quite by accident, I discovered in my study a hidden spyhole in the oak panelling by the alcove in which my desk is situated. This cleverly constructed contrivance has allowed me,...

Adventures Of A Victorian Governess – Part 1

"Follow the adventures of Emily Summers as she enters the employ of Lord and Lady Blackheart and their outrageous libertine household."

After completing my education and a spell as the village teacher it was time I went and explored the world. To this end I had answered an advert for the role of Governess with Lord Blackheart at Wymbourne Abbey.As I...

A Wicked Thing

"A pastor's wife finds she can't always serve as a good example to others."

My husband gingerly picked up the small book, as if he feared touching it might contaminate him. Sitting to the side of his desk, I looked from the book's obscene cover to Jacob's face, wondering if I would discern more...

Bawdy Tales Part 1 — Introduction & The Monk’s Story

"A series of naughty stories told by a group of mediaeval traveller’s on their way to London from Yorkshire at the time of the Black Death"

IntroductionIn the late Middle Ages the Black Death, the greatest and most deadly outbreak of infectious disease in history, ravaged Europe, eventually killing between one third and a half of the population.The disease, which is caused by the bacterium Yersinia...

Anath Alone

"Sleepless and lonely, an ancient Egyptian girl longs for he lover."

Dear lamp, ‘t is you I envyFor by his bed, you lie.You watch and keep my lover;The light within my eye.And though this dread night divides us.And though the road is long,I pray the sweet breeze will aid meAnd bring...

Vari And Henry, Part One

"A naiad and a human fall in love"

Near the bottom of the lake, Vari, and her sisters Mayani and Linh, gathered around their mother one last time before striking out on their own.  Mother reminded them that while larger bodies of water, such as lakes and rivers,...