“Tell me more,” I said.”

“There’s not a lot to tell. I’ve told you she was already persuaded before she gave you the once-over. That was only a formality. My recommendation had aroused her curiosity. And she is always saying that there are never enough young men. Suitable young men, that is.”

“And what does ‘suitable’ mean?”

“You’ll see. We’ll be there soon. But just remember - go along with things, just relax and enjoy. Whatever, don’t ask questions.”

That had been more or less as much as she had been prepared to disclose since she passed on the invitation. Our hostess, she said, was Lady T (there are a number of names it will be prudent to disguise), someone who gave occasional soirées for a select circle of friends. Pressed, Casey admitted that of course sex was involved, but stubbornly refused to provide any details. Frustrated, intrigued, impatient, I drove wondering precisely what was in store. Sex, Casey said. And I now knew enough to be sure that if Casey was involved the sex wouldn’t be tame. What then? Were we expected to fuck while Lady T watched? Could I cope with that? Yes, because once Casey got to work on my cock I could cope with anything.

On a straight stretch of road, I took one hand off the wheel and stroked Casey’s thigh. She removed it. “Down, boy. I don’t want you overheating unnecessarily. Look out for a sharp turn left in about half a mile now. The gates will be open. There’s a long drive.”

At the top of a slight rise, the approach curved to reveal a large Edwardian mansion. The front door, at the top of half-a-dozen stone steps, was open. A liveried footman greeted us, ushered us in and took the Mercedes keys to park it.

“Good evening, Mrs Fernandez.” The speaker was in butler’s uniform. “I trust you have had a pleasant journey.”

“Thank you, Jordan. Very nice.” “Her Ladyship is in the drawing room.”

“Are we the last?”

“I believe Sir John and Lady J ” - I must beg your indulgence for another concealed identity - “are still awaited, madam.”

“How many altogether?”

“I understand, madam, you will be fifteen in total. Seven couples and her Ladyship.”

“You will be joining us?”

“Her Ladyship has been kind enough to suggest that my services may be required for the finale, yes, madam.” Jordan stood to one side and indicated that we should precede him.

Casey clearly knew the way. We crossed a large hall whose walls, I noticed, were hung with pictures that would not have been out of place in the Latitude brothers’ gallery. At the door to the drawing