## An Education: The Garden Party

Post by KP Presents » Wed Apr 02, 2014 2:41 am

Friday 2nd May
We were sitting in the dining room at Holderness Manor, laying the final plans for tomorrow. Looking round the table, I saw Mary, Cathy, Bobby and Suzie, Alicia, Patty and Cassie, Colin and Martin.
“So that’s the plan,” I said as I looked at them. “Are all the other helpers ready?”
Cassie nodded as she said “Uncle Dave and Dad are ready.”
“So is Uncle Alexander and my father,” Alicia said as she looked round. “Mary?”
“Eddie is eager to help – once he is done with you, he’ll come and give me and Cathy a hand.”
“What about Rachel, Patty?”
“She’s stopping over with me for the weekend – and Lisa and her mother are coming round tomorrow morning. Rachel tells me Charlie already has his father aligned as well.”
“She really is sweet on him, isn’t she,” Cassie said as she nudged Patty.
“All right then – the key here is timing. We need to work fast on this one, to make sure everything goes according to schedule. Any questions?”
“So let me be clear,” Bobby said, “We’re starting at your place, and once they are on their way you’re going to move round all the other houses in turn?”
“That’s right – we have until four o’clock to get everyone to the manor house, and my family can probably cope best with what is required. Any more questions?”
I looked round the table, and then said “right – good luck everyone, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”
The door opened and Mrs Bridges came in with a tray of drinks. “Planning is thirsty work,” she said as she put the tray down, “and your parents will be here soon to take you home.”
“How are the plans for tomorrow coming along, Mrs Bridges,” Alicia asked quietly.
“All is ready, my dear – and Sarah is looking forward to seeing them as well.”
“Pity she can’t take part,” Bobby said as he took a drink.
“She’s due in a few weeks – it would be unfair,” I said with a smile.
“Somebody is hungry this morning,” Mum said as Cassie and I sat at the table. We both were, as we buttered another round of toast and started to eat it. Mum was wearing a blue short sleeved blouse and a floral print skirt, with a pair of heeled sandals on her feet, while Cassie and I were wearing jeans and t-shirts.
Dad was feeding David and June – their first birthday was coming up soon, and there was talk of a small party for them.
In fact, we were expecting Granny and our three aunts to come round that morning to plan that party, and they had asked me and Cassie to help them out.
As the front door bell rang, Mum went to answer it, and Granny looked into the kitchen. She was wearing a white roll neck sweater with a gold and cream patterned scarf tied around her neck and shoulders, brown slacks and brown leather shoes.
“And how are my favourite grandchildren,” she said as she gave us both a hug, and then looked at the twins.
“We’re fine Granny,” Cassie said with a smile, “looking forward to planning a party.”
“Well, the others should be here soon,” Mum said, “so you two – upstairs, do your teeth, tidy your rooms. I’ll call you down when it’s time.”
We both looked at Dad, who nodded as we left them alone.
“All right you two, you can come down now.”
We ran down the stairs and into the front room. Aunt Connie was sitting in an armchair, wearing her green smock top and pants, while Aunt Cassie was wearing a black blouse, jeans and over the knee black boots. Aunt Jo had on a grey jersey dress, dark hose and grey suede ankle boots.
“Right then,” Mum said quietly, “what ideas do you have for the first birthday party?”
“Are our other grandparents coming over?”
“I’m afraid not,” Mum said, “but they said they are going to come over in the summer.”
“So we are going to have the party here?”
“That’s right – they’re eating solids now, so they can munch on finger sandwiches and the like without any problem.”
“What about Danny and Andy – will they be coming as well?”
“Oh yes – the three of them together is a given,” Aunt Connie said as she rubbed her back. Her smock top was starting to show a little bump.
“Listen – you know when we have family parties there are certain games we like to play.”
Mum looked at me and said “Yeah – that’s true, but they are only a year old.”
“I know – but it would be nice to have a family challenge as part of the party, wouldn’t it? Dad, Uncle Dave and the others could make us all secure and quiet, and we could see who gets out first.”
“Afraid I’m going to beat your sister again,” Aunt Cassie said as she looked at me.
“Well, I think we’d have to make it fair on all of you, I mean all of us,” I said with a smile.
“OH – and how do you intend to do that,” Mum said as she looked at me.
“Oh I don’t think we can discuss it now – not with Aunt Connie not able to…”
“Who says I can’t still take part? So long as it’s not too strict, I can still do it.”
Cassie and I glanced at each other, before she posed the killer question.
“Want to try it now?”
I watched as Mum, Granny, Aunt Connie and Aunt Cassie looked at each other, “What do you say, Jo,” Aunt Cassie then said, “want to see what it’s like when these two get to work?”
“All right then,” Jo said as she looked at us, “do your worst.”
“I need to go to the toilet first,” Aunt Connie said as we went to get our supplies from the storage cupboard. As we took the box out, I saw Dad standing in the kitchen with Uncle Dave, and nodded, him nodding in return.
“Right then,” I said as I looked at them, “all tied identically, all gagged identically. We won’t cover your hands, but we will do the full works.”
Cassie and I worked our way around the room, starting by securing the crossed wrists of each of them behind their backs and tying some rope around their waists to keep them in place. We then double teamed as we knelt in front of each of them and bound their ankles, making sure we took the rope between their legs as always to tighten the band, and then their legs below their knees were secured in the same way.
As we worked our way round, they talked about party food, presents, and other things we didn’t pay the slightest bit of attention to. Our next priority was to secure their arms, using the longest lengths of rope we could find around their upper bodies.
Once we had all five secured, Aunt Jo tried to twist her arms round. “You two really are good,” she said as she looked at us, “I’m not going anywhere for a while.
“Well that’s the idea,” I said as I looked in the box.
“There are some clean cloths in the laundry basket from your last game,” Mum said as she looked at me.
“Can you go and fetch them Cassie,” I said as I ripped an old hand towel into five strips, and tied a knot in the middle of each of them. She nodded and went upstairs, returning with five freshly laundered cotton cloths.
“Well then,” Granny said as she looked at the others, “may the best woman win.”
“And I will,” Aunt Cassie said out loud, the others laughing as we folded the cloths.
“Open wide,” I said to granny, while Cassie started with Aunt Jo. We pushed the folded cloths into their mouths, and then tied the knotted towelling strip between their lips, to keep that cloth in place. Once all five had been gagged, Aunt Connie said “nddrbssldths?”
Mum nodded as we then went round with the roll of special white tape, winding it round their heads and over their mouths, before they watched us fold five red silk squares into wide bands.
“Rtthgngfrmfs,” Mum said as she looked at us.
“Not today,” I said quietly, “today they are going to be blindfolds, so that you cannot see to help each other.”
The five of them looked at each other, but they didn’t complain. Not that they actually could say much, of course, but they nodded and closed their eyes as we tied the bands tightly over their eyes and heads.
“There now – can you see anything,” I said as I tied the last scarf over Aunt Jo’s head. They turned their heads and then indicated they were indeed blindfolded, before Cassie very quietly opened the door.
“All right then,” I said as I stepped slowly back, “Why don’t you all take a few moments to get used to how you are, and then I’ll tell you to start.”
I moved to the door and slipped through as Dad and Uncle Dave slipped in, and went through the kitchen and into the garage, opening the doors of our SUV and standing back. A few moments later, they came in, carrying Granny between them as they sat her in the idle of the rear seats of the SUV.
“Whtsggnngg,” she mumbled as I strapped her into the seat.
“Don’t panic, Granny,” I said quietly, “just a slight change of plan for today.”
“Whtddummn,” Granny said, but I had to get out of the way as they carried Aunt Connie through and placed her next to Granny.
“Whtrrudng,” she mumbled as I secured her seat belt, but this time I stayed silent until Aunt Cassie had been strapped in on the other side of Granny.
“Stop complaining,” I said quietly, “you’re been invited out – and I suggest you accept it.”
I waited until Mum and Aunt Jo were in the car, and Dad closed the doors.
“Right,” Uncle Dave said, “Cassie and I will bring the babies with us in my car. We’ll see you there.”
“Good luck,” Cassie said as I climbed in the front with Dad.
“All right,” he said over the muffled calls from behind us, “where d I drop you off?”
“Aunt Jessie’s please,” I said as I looked over my shoulder, “and then I’ll see you there.”
Read stories of ordinary women in distress at http://www.kppresents.com

### Re: An Education: The Garden Party

Post by John Kennon Smith » Wed Apr 02, 2014 7:09 am

Nice!!!!

### Re: An Education: The Garden Party

Post by Tom Ford » Wed Apr 02, 2014 8:12 am

Now that was a well executed kidnapping! I preferred the way the boys did it, but they can’t do that to their mothers, can they? So tricking them is the best part. I hope that they keep the ladies tied up until the Jenny joins them after all the ladies had been taken!
I’m sure Sarah would be in the party, even if she won’t be tied up. But with Yvonne there, and with Mark joining them later, there would be more awkwardness as she would feel that something is wrong. And it would be the second time since her wedding that she felt some bad vibes coming for the couple. But nothing would come out of it from the Garden Party, going from the introduction to The Williamsons and the Widow.
So the next one would be Aunt Jessie. Hope Patty is ready!
Still, what is going to be planned at the Mansion? And would Lady Holderness joined them tied up even if she was the one who originally thought of this? Maybe so, so the others won’t suspect that she was the one who’s behind this all.
Nice to see Jenny get back to back stories narrating!

### Re: An Education: The Garden Party

Post by John Kennon Smith » Wed Apr 02, 2014 9:46 am

What a surprise!!

### Re: An Education: The Garden Party

Post by The Wrapster » Wed Apr 02, 2014 10:03 am

This is great!! Jenny is so clever, fooling her relatives like that!! And Aunt Jessie's next, no doubt with help from Patty! This is going to be an awesome story!!

### Re: An Education: The Garden Party

Post by Imp Caesar Augustus » Wed Apr 02, 2014 10:54 am

Jenny sure is getting her turn at playing conspiracy!!

### Re: An Education: The Garden Party

Post by John Kennon Smith » Wed Apr 02, 2014 12:08 pm

Great chapter!!!

### Re: An Education: The Garden Party

Post by John Kennon Smith » Wed Apr 02, 2014 11:09 pm

Great start!!

### Re: An Education: The Garden Party

Post by John Kennon Smith » Wed Apr 02, 2014 11:09 pm

Great update!!

### Re: An Education: The Garden Party

Post by William F Somebody » Wed Apr 02, 2014 11:20 pm

So it has begun!! They have to get all the women to the Manor by four in the afternoon for the Garden Party, and they have to get them there tied up, by hook or by crook, by trickery or by persuation!
So the Craigs are bagged, now we have Aunt Jessie next!
I hope Jenny and company the best in their operations to get all of the adult women to Holderness Manor for the Garden Party!

### Re: An Education: The Garden Party

Post by John Kennon Smith » Wed Apr 02, 2014 11:30 pm

Please please update really really soon!!!!

### Re: An Education: The Garden Party

Post by John Kennon Smith » Wed Apr 02, 2014 11:30 pm

Hope you update soon!!!

### Re: An Education: The Garden Party

Post by KP Presents » Thu Apr 03, 2014 2:43 am

It was about eleven when Dad dropped me off at Aunt Jessie’s house, the pink VW parked outside as always. I waved him off and walked up to the front door, knocking and waiting for a few minutes.
“Oh hey,” Patty said as she opened the door, “I was just upstairs with Lisa and Rachel. What brings you over here?”
“Got a message for your mum from my mum. Where is she?”
“In the front room with Mrs Williamson. I’ll be down in a few minutes,” she said as she ran up the stairs.
“Is that you Jenny?”
“Yeah,” I said as I came in. Aunt Jessie was sitting in an armchair, wearing a blue, red and white patterned smock over black leggings and flat slippers. Mrs Williamson was wearing a red pinafore style dress with a grey jacket over it, and grey suede shoes.
“Mum asked me to drop by and tell you that she likes your idea for a present for the twins. Hello, Mrs Williamson – Patty said that Lisa was here.”
“Yes – Charlie’s gone somewhere with his dad, so I brought her over for – well, a play date is probably the wrong word. I read your piece in the paper, Jenny – very good work.”
“Thanks,” I said with a blush. “I tried my best.”
“Well, it read very well to me,” Mrs Williamson said with a smile. “Anyway, I need to be going so…”
“Nobody move!”
We all turned to see Patty standing in the door, an old woollen scarf wrapped round her face and a water pistol in her hand as she pointed it at us.
“Oh my,” Aunt Jessie said as she slowly raised her hands, “What do you want?”
“Your valuables,” Patty said, almost giggling as she did so.
“Where’s my daughter,” Mrs Williamson said as she raised her hands as well, my following their example.
“Safe upstairs, but I need to make sure you three stay out of the way as well. You,” she said as she looked at me and held out two lengths of rope, “tie their hands behind their backs.”
“You’d better do as she says, Jenny, she looks like a dangerous criminal,” Aunt Jessie said as she looked at me, so I walked behind each of them in turn and tied their wrists together behind their backs.
As they wriggled them round, she then handed me two other scarves. “You ladies sit down,” she said as she looked at her mother and Mrs Williamson, “and this young girl will blindfold you before I secure all three of you properly.”
“I’m sorry,” I said as I tied the scarves over their eyes, and then stood back, pretending to complain about being tied up as Rachel and Lisa sneaked in, armed with coils of rope that they used to very effectively bind both of them around their legs and bodies.
“Hey – how many are there in here,” Aunt Jessie said as Patty tied her legs together below her knees.
“Shhh,” Patty said as she tore a strip of brown fabric plaster off a roll, and stuck it firmly over her mother’s lips, doing the same to Mrs Williamson before she could say anything.
Lisa then put her finger to her lips as she went to the front door, returning a few minutes later with her father.
“Hello Cassie,” he whispered before he picked Lisa’s mother up in his arms, her surprised whimper making Aunt Jessie turn her head and mumble “ffnnne?”
That was nothing compared to her own whimper when Mister Williamson returned and picked her up, carrying her out as Patty high fived Lisa and Rachel.
“I can’t believe they fell for it,” Rachel said as we watched her being carried to Lisa’s dad’s car, and then settled in the back seat.
“All right,” he said as he came back, “the ride for you girls should be here – now.”
He waved to Mister Boyle as he drove up, and got out of the car, walking up the path as he said “Quickly girls – coats on and come with me. Do you have house keys Patty?”
“I’ll see you later – good luck,” Mister Williamson said as he got into his car and drove off, while the three younger girls grabbed their coats and Patty handed me the keys. I went back in and made sure the back door was locked, before I came out and locked the front door behind me.
“Where are you going to, Miss Craig,” Mister Boyle said as he let the three youngsters sit in the back seat.
“Alicia’s house – you’re going back to the hall after this?”
“That’s right – I will see you there,” he said as we got into the front of the car, and drove off.
“Hi Jenny,” Alicia’s father said as I stood in the front porch, “Alicia said you were coming over to help with her English project. She’s up in her room.”
“Thanks,” I said as I came in, and put my jacket on the coat rack.
“Hey Jenny,” Angela called out from the front room, “the joys of Shakespeare, eh?”
“Yup – Merchant of Venice.”
“Good play – well, have fun.”
I went up the stairs to hear Alicia read out loud “"The man that hath no music in himself, Nor is not mov'd with concord of sweet sounds, Is fit for treasons, stratagems, and spoils."
“Not talking about Martin then,” I said with a smile as I stood in the doorway.
“Nope,” Alicia said as she looked at me.
“I see football practice went well.”
She looked down at her mud streaked legs, as she sat there in her red and black striped top and black shorts. “Actually, very well,” she said quietly. “I’m just waiting for Mum to come up and badger me about having a shower – that’s the cue to…”
“Alicia, have you cleaned yourself up yet?”
“Showtime,” she said as she called out “Not yet Mum – have you seen my grey chinos anywhere?”
“In your wardrobe, of course,” Mrs Bowden said as she came in, wearing a grey jogging suit with a white t-shirt underneath and tennis shoes. “Honestly, some people…”
“Mrs Bowden, can I ask you a question?”
“Of course, Jenny, what about?”
“The man called the Green Mask.”
“Oh – Him,” she said as she looked at me. “Mother said you had talked to her about it.”
“Just how terrifying was it that night?”
“Not as scary as some more recent events,” she said as she sat at the edge of the bed, “but really frightening at the time. As you know, waking at the time in the morning to see a masked man in front of you – not funny.”
“Well, it turned out all right in the end for me – but is it true he taped your body before you walked in?”
“Yes, he did – I can show you how if you want. Alicia, can you go and get a roll of duct tape from the store room.”
“Are you sure you want to do this, Mum?”
“It won’t be for long,” she said as she looked at me. “Go on.”
“Well, all right,” Alicia said as she left the room, coming back later with a roll of silver tape.
“Well, he started by taping my wrists and hands together behind my back, so if you could do that Ali?”
I watched as Alicia taped her mother’s wrists behind her back, taking the silver material down and over her hands as well so it looked like a single glove. “Yeah, that was it,” she said as she looked over her shoulder, “and then he taped my arms to my body over my waist and my stomach.”
“Hang on a minute,” Alicia said as she fastened her mother’s jacket up, zipping it to just below her neck, and then wound the tape around her waist and her stomach to trap her arms against her back.
“That looks tight Mum,” she said as she tore the tape off and smoothed it at her back.
“It is – and I’m wearing a few more layers than that night,” her mother said with a smile.
“Yeah – it’s worse when you only have pyjamas on,” I said with a smile as Mrs Bowden stood in the doorway of Alicia’s room.
“Anyway, if you can find a pair of scissors, then you can cut it off and – what the?”
Her change of message had happened because Alicia’s father had come up silently behind her, and tied a folded black scarf over her eyes to blindfold her. “Simon, what are you doing,” she said as she turned her head from side to side.
“Surprise Mum,” Alicia said as she tore a strip of silver tape off, and stuck it firmly over her mother’s mouth, three more going over it, “I suggest you just relax and enjoy the rest of today – it’s really full of surprises.”
“Hkddnngg,” she mumbled as Alicia’s father led her down the stairs and through to the kitchen.
“Funny – you would have thought Angela would have said something,” I said as we both walked down the stairs.
“She may have had a little trouble in that department as well,” Alicia said with a smile as we went into the front room. I smiled as I saw Angela sitting next to Eddie, watching an old black and white film in which the plucky lady reporter was bound to a chair, and gagged over the mouth with a white cloth.
Angela also had a white cloth tied over her mouth, and her wrists and arms secured with rope as she sat with her head on Eddie’s shoulder.
“Everything taken care of,” Eddie said as he looked at both of us.
“Sure is,” Alicia said as she smiled at her sister. “Now we need the second passenger.”
“Sdcnddnpsnjr?” Angela looked at Eddie, then at us, but her view of us was obscured by the black sleep mask that Eddie secured over her eyes.
“You’ve been invited out,” Eddie said as Mister Bowden came in and escorted Angela out. I picked Andrew out of his playpen and tickled his stomach, while Alicia fetched his jacket and put it on him, then strapped him into his car seat.
“Got the changing bag,” her father said as he came in and collected her brother.
“Yup,” Alicia said as she went behind the couch and picked up the blue bag, while Eddie turned the television off.
“Good – come on. I’ll see you two later.”
“Have fun,” Alicia said as she went with her father, while Eddie and I headed out of the front door, closing it behind us.
“Right,” he said as he tossed some car keys in his hand, “I believe we have a trip to the florist’s next…”
Read stories of ordinary women in distress at http://www.kppresents.com

### Re: An Education: The Garden Party

Post by John Kennon Smith » Thu Apr 03, 2014 3:12 am

Nice!!

### Re: An Education: The Garden Party

Post by Tom Ford » Thu Apr 03, 2014 4:25 am

So operation grab Mummy, auntie, and engaged big sister is well underway!!
Patty once again shows her personality, as she show signs of being a worthy successor of “girl most likely to get you into trouble!” to young Cassie.
We have Jennifer Craig, Miranda, Connie, Aunt Cassie and Jo Frost, Anne, Jessie, and Angela all tangled up. Now the next one would be the mothers of Cathy, then I guess, Mrs Holderness and Mrs Jacobs. But I’m sure Suzie and Bobby already know how to handle that problem.
Now what will they do once all the “guests” are there, presumably, tied up? Who will make the grand announcement? Presumably, Lady Holderness, but the image of Lady Holderness letting herself be kidnapped and tied up alongside the others to further mislead them is too much. Perhaps Lord Holderness could be the one to make an announcement?
And other things like:
What is this all about?
What about their clothes? Surely some are not properly attired for a party.
What of Sarah? I’m sure take part in the festivities that doesn’t involve her being tied up, like eating and drinking?

### Re: An Education: The Garden Party

Post by John Kennon Smith » Thu Apr 03, 2014 5:01 am

This party is going to be fun!!!!

### Re: An Education: The Garden Party

Post by John Kennon Smith » Thu Apr 03, 2014 5:02 am

This party is going to be fun!!!!

### Re: An Education: The Garden Party

Post by John Kennon Smith » Thu Apr 03, 2014 6:20 am

Great chapter!!

### Re: An Education: The Garden Party

Post by John Kennon Smith » Thu Apr 03, 2014 10:14 am

Great update!!

### Re: An Education: The Garden Party

Post by hafnermg » Thu Apr 03, 2014 10:51 am

I agree Great Chapter! I'm really looking forward to this party!

### Re: An Education: The Garden Party

Post by Imp Caesar Augustus » Fri Apr 04, 2014 12:08 am

I'm sure Cathy getting her parents would be great!

### Re: An Education: The Garden Party

Post by William F Somebody » Fri Apr 04, 2014 2:08 am

What smart planning by the girls. And the kidnappings went very smoothly. But still, there might be road bumps, but not as much as what the boys encountered in Coming Together. Though I must say, next time the girls want to have an innocent game with their mothers, the mothers might be a little wary, since it might be another trick!!
What kind of a party will this be? A formal one? A semi formal one? A casual party? Whatever kind of party it is, I’m sure the planners have already taken account of this!
I want to see the faces of the women when they realized each and every one of them is there, tied up!!
Hope Sarah could be there, not tied up, of course, but enjoying the party nevertheless. It would be nice to see her get wary of Yvonne, and later, Mark!

### Re: An Education: The Garden Party

Post by John Kennon Smith » Fri Apr 04, 2014 2:23 am

Please please update really really soon!!!

### Re: An Education: The Garden Party

Post by John Kennon Smith » Fri Apr 04, 2014 2:27 am

Hope you update soon!!!

### Re: An Education: The Garden Party

Post by KP Presents » Mon Apr 07, 2014 1:19 am

The trip into town took a few minutes, especially as Eddie had to negotiate the way into the back yard behind the florist’s shop, but eventually we managed to get into position and park by the back door.
Getting out, we walked over and knocked three times on the back. It was just after one, and as a rule Cathy’s mother shut the shop on a Saturday at one. The one possible flaw in the plan was that she decided to open a bit later today – but when Mary opened the door and beckoned us both in, I breathed a sigh of relief. We looked through from the back to see her put the “closed“sign in place, her other mother with her. Belinda was wearing a long layered skirt, white blouse and brown suede waistcoat, with brown felt boots, while Penelope was in a pair of tight black leggings and an electric blue blouse with a wide belt around her waist, finished off with a pair of back ankle boots.
“Right, Cathy,” Penelope said as they looked towards the door, “What is this challenge you wanted to set us?”
“Well,” I heard Cathy say from beside the door, “I was reading this story where a robber used only silk scarves to keep his victims quiet and out of the way. I think it can be done – but I want to see if you can get out of it before I suggest it to the others.”
“Scarves,” Belinda said, “Well, so long as you don’t out them anywhere inappropriate?”
“Now would I do that, Mummy?”
“You’re growing up Cathy – who knows? But all right – where do you want us?”
I then saw Cathy walk forward and put a pile of scarves on the counter. “Did you raid our wardrobe,” Penelope said with a raised eyebrow.
“Yup – you can ground me later. Lean over the counter, and cross your wrists behind your back.”
“I keep telling you that you have too many scarves,” Penelope said to Belinda, as they did what Cathy asked them to do, and she used two long blue silk rectangles to secure their wrists together, taking it between their arms as well.
“You’ve been practising,” Belinda said as Cathy then took two similar scarves and used them to tie their arms together below their elbows.
“She has as well,” Mary whispered, “on me. It felt different from rope, but just as strong.”
We watched as she tied the scarves off, and then made them kneel facing each other on the floor. She then used two shawls each, folded into bands, to secure their arms to their bodies, and used four smaller scarves each to cinch the bands under their arms.
“Hmmmm – this feels nice,” Penelope said as she leaned forward and gave her partner a little kiss.
“And difficult to get out of,” Belinda said with a smile. “So are you going to do out legs next?”
“No – I think I need to keep you two quiet now,” Cathy said with a smile as she folded two blue silk squares into pads. “Open wide now.”
“Talk to you later, Penny,” Belinda said as she opened her mouth and allowed Cathy to push a folded silk cloth in.
“Hopefully, Bindy,” Penelope said before she too had a folded scarf pushed into her mouth. They watched as Cathy folded two large head squares, both red with a yellow cross pattern, tied a knot in the middle of the band, and then gently pulled the knot into their mouths before tying the bands around their heads.
“There,” Cathy said as she looked at both of them, “I’ll take care of the legs in a moment, but I’m going to blindfold you both as well, make it more realistic for you.”
She removed the glasses from Penelope, and then used two white scarves to cover their eyes.
“My cue,” Mary said as she slipped out of the back door, and then rang the rear bell.
“WShhtththt,” Penelope said as she looked to the rear door.
“It’s all right – I’ll get it,” Cathy said as she came through, and hugged me before opening the door again while I slipped in.
“Hello Mrs Harmer, Mrs Harmer,” I said as I looked at them.
“Jnneee? Wssstu?”
“No I’m afraid not,” I said as Eddie and Cathy came in, “but I am here to invite you for a little trip. Let my friends take you to the car.”
“Bttthhtkngss…”
“We’ll make sure they get banked on the way,” Eddie said as he helped Belinda up and walked her to the rear exit, placing her in the back of his car.
“And I will lock up,” Cathy said as Eddie then took Penelope through to the car, while Cathy locked the front door and indicated I should come through the back. As I did so, she pulled on her long grey coat and grabbed her mothers’ handbags, as well as a leather money bag, and handed all of them to Eddie.
Punching some numbers onto a keypad, I heard the beep of an alarm as we went out of the back door, and closed the door, Cathy locking it as Mary and Eddie watched.
“I really hope they see the funny side of this,” Cathy said as she got into the front passenger seat.
“I’m sure they will – Mary and I are going out to Wissenden, so we’ll see you at the manor house by four.”
“And just how are we going to get out there,” Mary said as we waved Eddie off.
Smiling, I took out my mobile phone and dialled a number. “Mister Hampton? It’s Mary – Colin said you may be able to give me a lift?”
“Oh you sneaky little lady,” Mary said with a smile, “I thought the boys weren’t allowed to help out with this?”
“They’re not – Lady Holderness said nothing about the fathers,” I said as I covered the microphone. “We’re at Harmer Florists – ten minutes?”
It was close to two by the time we got to Wissenden Hall, Colin coming out to greet us as we arrived.
“All going to plan so far,” he said as he looked at me.
“Yup – we just need the last two from here.”
“Three.”
“Beg your pardon?”
“Might be easiest if you come in,” Colin said as I followed him, his dad behind me. We went into the front room, and as I went in I saw what he meant.
Mrs Holderness and Mrs Boyle were sitting on the long couch, their arms tightly bound to their sides with ropes and their hands behind their back. Mrs Boyle was wearing her usual work outfit of a short sleeved white blouse and a knee length grey skirt with flat shoes. By contrast, Mrs Holderness was wearing a crimson red jumper, blue jeans and red ankle boots. Their ankles and legs were tightly secured as well, while a band of white tape covered their mouths, a second over their eyes.
Bobby and Suzie looked over and waved at me, Bobby kneeling on the floor in front of their grandmother while Suzie was beside her. Mrs Jacobs was wearing a grey jumper and cardigan with a knee length tweed skirt, and flat brown shoes, but her grandchildren were in the process of finishing the ropes around her arms and legs. She too had been gagged and blindfolded with the white tape, and turned her head as she heard us coming in.
“We’re running a little late,” Mister Holderness whispered behind me, almost making me jump out of my skin. “But we’ll be ready to move in a minute – ah.”
“All right,” Bobby said as he stood up, “the evil robbers have gone to look for your valuables – can you get away before they come to hide you in the cellar.”
The three older women started to wriggle round, as Mister Boyle and Mister Holderness walked in and picked Mrs Boyle off the chair. She stopped moving as she was carried out, just moving her head from side to side as she tried to figure out what was going on.
“Whssthhhrr,” Mrs Holderness said as she was carried out next, Mrs Jacobs saying “whsthppng” through her gag.
“Relax, Gran,” Suzie said as she planted a little kiss on her cheek, “you’re going for a surprise trip.”
“Mhhtthfknn,” Mrs Jacobs said, allowing herself to be carried out to the waiting minibus.
“You two are coming with me,” Mister Holderness said, “Bobby and Suzie will go in the minibus.”
“Thanks for the lift,” I said to Mister Hampton as they stood to one side, “I’ll see you tomorrow Colin.”
“Looking forward to it,” he said a she gave me a little kiss, and we got into the Daimler of Mister Holderness.
“Right,” he said as he followed the minibus down the driveway, “next stop Holderness Manor.”
As we drove up to the front of the manor house, we saw Mister Boyle and Mister Bowden helping to take the last three invited guests into the house.
“Well done, Jenny,” Lord Holderness said as we came in, “Not as dramatic as the boys, but very nicely done none the less.”
“Thank you, your lordship,” I said with a smile. “May I ask where Lady Holderness is?”
“Right here.”
I turned to see Sarah standing there, in a light pink smock top and leggings. Lady Holderness was indeed with her, her eyes smiling over the length of white tape that covered her mouth. Her arms were tightly bound to her sides, the front of her cardigan opened by the bands.
“We felt the best way to start the party was to thoroughly bamboozle them,” Sarah said with a smile, “Let’s go into the library.”
I followed her through to where all the women were sat, their heads turning from side to side as they heard the door opening and closing. Sarah helped Lady Holderness to sit down in an armchair, and as she nodded she looked to me.
“Hey everyone,” I said as all their heads turned towards me. “I’m going to take your blindfolds off in a minute, but I need you all to close your eyes while I do so. Don’t open them until I tell you.”
“Whtsggnnnnjneee,” Aunt Jo said as she tried to free her hands.
“You’ll soon find out,” I said as I picked up a pair of scissors and went round the room, removing folded scarves, peeling away tape gently, and in some cases cutting it at the back of their necks. All of them kept their eyes closed until I stood next to Sarah and said “All right – you can open them now.”
As they opened their eyes and looked round, Lady Holderness said “Wlcmmm.”
Mum looked at me and then at the others, before saying “Whhffudnjneee?”
“She did what she was asked to do.”
Granny looked over and said “Srre? Whnddurf?”
“Hello Miranda – everyone. You’ll need to forgive both Lady Holderness and Connie Brown – they knew I was here, but were asked to keep it secret until now.”
Aunt Connie had the grace to nod and say “sree” as the others looked at her.
“Anyway,” she said as I laid the scissors on the coffee table, “I need to take Jenny here away for a few minutes. Why don’t you try and get free – and when you do, come through to the dining room.”
We both left the room and went to the dining room, where everyone else was waiting.
“You did it girl,” Alicia said as she high fived me, “now you can look forward to what they say when they get free.”
“Well, we all did it,” I said as I looked at the others, “as did our dads – where have they gone anyway?”
“Out for the evening, Miss Jennifer,” Mrs Bridges said as she came in with a tray of drinks. “Now, take some refreshment before you have to prepare for the evening.”
Read stories of ordinary women in distress at http://www.kppresents.com

### Re: An Education: The Garden Party

Post by John Kennon Smith » Mon Apr 07, 2014 2:49 am

What fun!!!!

### Re: An Education: The Garden Party

Post by Imp Caesar Augustus » Mon Apr 07, 2014 3:46 am

So all of them are at the Manor now. This party is going to be fun! Fun! Fun!!

### Re: An Education: The Garden Party

Post by Tom Ford » Mon Apr 07, 2014 3:58 am

Very nicely done! As Lord Holderness said, not as dramatic as what Bobby did, but very nicely done!
Still, what is the purpose for this Garden Party? I doubt it would be an ordinary party if they went through all the trouble doing this. Or did they do this simply to give the adults a taste of what the girls experienced in Coming Together? Is this a birthday of somebody? An anniversary? Perhaps it’s a baby shower for Sarah Holderness-Carter? (But I doubt it because as it is a surprise, there would be no gifts). Perhaps the two year anniversary of the events that started this whole tale?
And it seems as if the men, with the exception of Lord Holderness, will be gone for the night. But what of the boys? What about Bobby, Eddie, and Colin? And Mr Boyle and Bridges? Hope we get an answer to that question.
They should easily get out of the bonds because they are not tied up and gagged in such a way that they could easily get free. I mean all their fingers are free!
I am looking forward to the next part!

### Re: An Education: The Garden Party

Post by John Kennon Smith » Mon Apr 07, 2014 7:47 am

What a party!!

### Re: An Education: The Garden Party

Post by John Kennon Smith » Mon Apr 07, 2014 11:19 am

Great chapter!!!