A week passed.
Martha kept herself busy, having several social engagements and when she was through with those, spending a lot of time working on her tan, trying not to think of Samantha.
Cordova tried to avoid both Samantha and Martha, knowing he couldn't do it forever unless he wanted to quit but nevertheless relishing the free time he had to himself, knowing it wasn't going to last.
Caroline waited patiently, wondering what Cordova was going to be like in bed, wondering what Samantha was going to be like in bed, wondering how Martha was going to arrange it all.
Samantha thought of nothing.
"So here you are," said Martha to Samantha as she came out onto the veranda one afternoon.
"Yes, I thought I'd have my lunch here."
"It's an excellent idea."
"Want to join me?"
"I'll eat at my club, thanks."
The sun was warm and Samantha wore a pair of shorts and a halter. She was braless and Martha looked with envy at her chest, remembering her own fine breasts when they were younger.
"There's something I want to talk to you about," said Martha as she adjusted her sunglasses, facing directly into the sun.
"What's that?"
Martha took a sip out of a glass of iced tea she had brought with her and leaned back in her chair, feeling the heat and liking it.
"I'm aware of what's been going on between you and Cordova," she said.
"Do you disapprove?"
"No, I neither disapprove nor approve. You're almost a grown woman, you're certainly free to do what you want with your body."
"So why even mention it then?"
"I just wanted you to know you don't have to sneak around, that's all."
"I was worried about him."
"You thought I was going to fire him?"
"It entered my mind."
"There's no need to worry. In spite of the propriety which I'm sometimes obliged to wear, I really run a very loose house."
"So I'm beginning to gather."
"Just be discreet, that's all."
"Meaning what?"
"Meaning that I don't care who you fuck as long as you don't spread yourself too thin. We do have a certain amount of standing that we have to maintain but the rules aren't as strict as you may think they are as long as you don't try to abuse them."
"I'll try to remember."
"I'm sure you will and try not to take him away from his duties, will you? What he does in his free time is his own business, during working hours it's my business," said Martha.
"That sounds fair enough."
"I think it is." She stood up. "See you at dinner Samantha."
"Enjoy yourself."
"I intend to."
"Did she believe you?" asked Cordova.
They were driving to Martha's club where she was spending a lot of her time lately. Martha worked out there and got a massage and took some sun and did a little swimming.
"I think so."
"Good. Have you spoken to Caroline?"
"No, that's next."
"Are you anticipating any trouble?"
"None whatsoever."
"Think Samantha will fall for the bait?"
"I know she will."
"It should be very interesting then."
"Very"
"Now here's what we're going to do," she said to Caroline that night after dinner.
They were in the kitchen. She didn't know where Cordova was. Samantha was in her room. She wanted to talk to Caroline and set things up.
"Sounds good," said Caroline after Martha had explained her plan. "Cordova already knows?"
"Yes."
"I can hardly wait."
"I'm surrounded by sluts," sighed Martha. "In that case you're the queen of them all."
"True enough but at least I admit it. See you tomorrow night."
"I wouldn't miss it for the world."