They got into a rhythm that worked, and so did I, thinking momentarily of a word I'd just recently learned. Frig. I was frigging myself as they were cavorting on the grass.

"Stand and deliver!"

The call rang out clearly over the rattle of the coach, and the thunder of horses' hooves on the stony road.

My sister and I were sitting inside, happily teasing each other about her impending marriage. I couldn't believe she was going to do it. She had trouble with the idea that I might have an opinion, and more trouble with the possibility that I might mention this opinion at an inappropriate time. Her concerns were not without cause. I have a loose tongue.

Dora and her fiancé had intended a quick journey to Manchester to honour a friend in the theatre. She should have known Father would never have let them travel alone, even though her betrothed, Lawrence, wasn't nearly man enough to take advantage of the situation. He insisted I travel with them, as chaperone, would you believe?

"Dora," Father said, looking her square in the eyes. "I know you are an independent young woman. I know you think you should be permitted this thing, but I will not allow it. You still live under my roof, and you are affianced, not married. You will take Elizabeth with you, or you will not go. This conversation is over."

Dora and I waited until we were safely ensconced in the stagecoach before bursting into laughter at the thought of it. If ever anyone was likely to encourage her to misbehave, it was me. Father is woefully ignorant. I love him dearly, and he is a true gentleman, but he has no idea.

I rather liked the idea of travelling with Dora, in a situation where we could say as we pleased, with Lawrence unable to hear us, committed as he was to driving the coach. We had spent the first day discussing all manner of matters that would have appalled Father.

That night we'd stopped at a country inn. A comfy place, though perhaps less than clean. Lawrence would not allow us to step into the public areas of the inn, and we were confined to our room, where a meal was delivered. We ate, and prepared things for the morning, stripped for sleep, naked as always, and fell into the large bed to gossip further.

I woke with my head on my sister's arm, when a servant banged on the door and appeared with fresh water, as well as a message. "The Master," she said to us through badly gapped teeth, her voice rich with sarcasm, "wants to know if you intend rising this day, or would you wish him to arrange another night in this Godforsaken place?" Her smile after the speech was genuine. This was more interesting than most of her mornings, it seemed.

I leapt from the bed and took the water from her, forgetting once again that I wasn't dressed. She gaped at me as I pushed her out the door, sending her to ensure Lawrence was ready. Master indeed! "And bring some food, woman!" I called to her as she retreated.

I woke Dora the way I always did. I jumped on her. She screamed, as usual, and then grabbed me and we wrestled. Eventually she had me held down, and she kissed my forehead before jumping up and claiming the water to wash herself first, having won the contest. I lay there and watched. Dora really was beautiful. Far too nice for Lawrence, I thought, but just for once I didn't say so out loud.

By the time the servant returned with some breakfast, we were dressed and packed. Dora sent her off again to bring someone to fetch the bags, and we sat and ate, fighting over the scraps at the end. A stout man and his young assistant arrived to take the bags, and we followed them out to the coach, to greet a rather upset looking Lawrence.

I left Dora to calm the insipid man down, and turned to watch the men at work. There's something about the way muscles move on a man that's entrancing, and Dora had to tap me on the shoulder to get my attention so we could get into the coach.

"Don't stare so, Lizzie."

"But look, Dora. They are gorgeous."

"They are rough, uncouth, dirty country filth, Elizabeth."

"You don't find them attractive?"

"I did not say that. I do not like the dirt."

"Under that."

"Oh, I know what's under that!" She grinned at me.

"Now you are staring."

"You got me started. Get in, sister. Lawrence is not a happy man."

"He hardly qualifies as a man, much less happy."

"Get in, and stop that talk where he can hear you. Last chance, or I spank you right here."

"As if you could, Dora. Anyway, I might enjoy that. You think the porters would stare at us?"

"Git!"

The remainder of the morning was uneventful until Lawrence stopped to water the horses. I insisted I needed to deal with some water myself, and he was most tiresome about telling me that the inn would have been much more appropriate. My protests that I hadn't wanted to then were ignored completely. He wanted to follow and guard me to ensure nothing untoward happened. I was most insistent that there was no way I was doing this anywhere near him.

In the end, Dora decided that after all this talk she needed to do the same, and the two of us walked off into the woods to find somewhere appropriate to squat and relieve ourselves, leaving him fuming at us both yet again.

We returned to the coach, boarded, and resumed our journey for only a few minutes when we heard the call, and Lawrence halted the horses.

I poked my head out the stagecoach door to see a tall thin man dressed in black, sitting astride a large charcoal horse. His weathered face could have done with a shave, but he was obviously comfortable. He smiled at me before beckoning with his free hand. The other held a musket that was pointed unerringly at Lawrence.

Dora's head joined mine then, and we exchanged glances before he spoke again.

"Listen carefully, driver. I shall not repeat myself. Climb from the coach and stand before me. Ladies, alight if you would, please, and stretch your legs. I will try to detain you for as little time as possible."

"He's quite handsome," I said to Dora. She stared back and said nothing.

"Now, ladies," he called again from the horse. "Right now, if you please."

Lawrence was clambering down from his perch, obviously angry, as we climbed out. All three of us stood in the road, facing the man in black. Inevitably, Lawrence did something stupid. "How dare you!" he stormed at the man. "Let us on about our business. Stand aside, man!"

The man in black was unperturbed. "Calm down, Sir. You need not vent so. It will not impress me, and I'm sure the ladies have heard it before. Calm yourself and listen."

"I shall not, Sir. Stand aside."

He turned to Dora then, and grinned again. " Joseph Downard, Ma'am." He tipped his hat. "At your service, so to speak."

Lawrence was spitting by this time. "Do not trouble yourself with introductions Mr Downard. What do you want?"

"You're not entirely polite when stressed, are you Mr...?"

"Hartnett."

"Pleased to meet you, Sir."

"What do you want?"

"Well, in an ideal world, Mr Hartnett, riches, women, food, wine, sunshine. But I suspect I'd better settle for less."

"Less, you scoundrel?"

"Less. Guineas will suffice, I think, on this occasion. Unless the women are surplus to requirements."

"You jest with me?"

"I draw your attention to the musket, Sir. I may jest if I wish. I meant no insult to the ladies, though it seems somewhat greedy to have two. And both so... splendid."

"Enough, Sir. This is my fiancée, and her sister. They need not hear such talk."

"They need not, if you stop talking, and hand over the cash."

"We do not have much."

"Jewels."

"Family treasures. You shall not have them."

"The small woman. Would she like a ride on my horse?"

"How dare you!"

"I dare, Sir. What say you?"

"I have never heard the..."

"I doubt Sir that you listen, except under threat. Fetch the money, and the jewellery. Ensure it is sufficient to secure release of the women. I'm sure they are more valuable family treasures."

Lawrence turned then to return to the coach, still fuming. The highwayman climbed from his mount, and turned to face us.

"Apologies again, ladies. I plead necessity, or I should not have spoken thus before you. Might I try again to introduce myself? Joseph Downard. At your service. Nay, command."

Dora spoke then, and surprised me. "Why Sir, thank you kindly. We accept your plea. My name is Dora Nathaniel, and this is my sister, Elizabeth."

"Oh? You are not married to the loudmouth?"

"Not yet, Sir."

"It is not, it seems, too late, then?"

"Too late, Mr Downard, for what?"

"To call it off, Miss Nathaniel. In any case, pleased to have met you both. My apologies in advance for the robbery."

He took my hand then, and kissed it, grinning widely. As he reached for Dora's hand to repeat the gesture, the loudmouth returned, incensed with the gall of the man, and dropped the cashbox to the ground to attack him.

Mr Downard missed not a beat, but as his lips were pressed against Dora's hand, he lifted the musket high, and crashed it down upon poor Lawrence's head. He slumped to the ground without a sound, and stayed there.

"Oh dear," stated the highwayman quietly. "Your rescue now seems unlikely."

Dora pulled her hand from his grasp, and knelt on the road. "He's still breathing. Please don't hit him again."

"I should not have, had he not tried to attack me. Are you sure, Miss Dora, that you should marry this pretend hero?"

First, she answered, with a smile. "I am committed." And then, despite Lawrence lying on the ground, unconscious, she continued. "Had you thought I might get a better offer?"

"Not of marriage, Miss."

"I thought that might be the case."

"I conjecture, now, Miss, that this could become complicated. Are the guineas in that tin sufficient that I could release you both?"

"If not, Joseph, you could scare us both half to death, and I could let you know , under protest, about the additional items hoarded under the seat."

"I would not."

"Could you pretend?"

"If necessary."

"Perhaps, as you seem so gentlemanly, we could come to an arrangement?"

"What terms, kind lady, to you propose?"

"I think, Sir, that you could assist us with moving my beloved to somewhere more comfortable."

"I would be happy to help. Miss Elizabeth, hold this, would you?" He handed me the musket.

Dora spoke again. "Are you sure that's wise? What if she should shoot you?"

"Well, would you make me comfortable, as you plan to do for your fiancé?"

"I would."

"It's not so risky then, I think. Miss Elizabeth, please point it elsewhere though, if you would. It might go off."

"You will take his legs?"

They carried Lawrence back to the stagecoach, and clumsily lifted him up and inside. Joseph tried to lay him on the rear seat, but Dora insisted they use the other one.

"I shall do this as you please Ma'am, but why this seat?"

"Call me Dora, please. Because, Joseph, the other one has the money hidden under it. Do you not want the guineas now?"

"Oh, indeed Dora, I do. Please, do not allow me further questions."

"I thought so."

"Indeed."

Dora removed the tin containing the additional money from under the other seat, and climbed down from the seat again. She stood, leaning against the vehicle, and waited for the highwayman. When he had climbed back down, she started a conversation with him, thinking that I could not hear from where I was standing. Past experiences should have taught her not to make such assumptions, but I wasn't about to inform her.

"Mr Downard, I have a proposal for you."

"Oh? You are in a position to bargain, then?"

"My sister holds the musket."

"She knows not how to use it effectively."

"Surely she is still a danger?"

"She is not. But I am intrigued. Perhaps if we might assume for a moment that you hold the upper hand in the game?"

"You are a gentleman. Could you not find a more appropriate form of employment?"

"I live, Miss, for the excitement."

"I see. I wonder, what sort of a reputation do you have with the community at large?"

"They see me, I think, as a rogue..."

"You are."

"... and charming."

"Oh?"

"Am I not?"

"Indeed you are. You don't lack confidence, Mr Downard."

"I do not."

"My proposal then. I need you to drag me screaming into the woods."

"Oh? You would scream?"

"We could perhaps pretend. And then, Sir, you must..." She paused here, and looked over at me before continuing more quietly. "... rape me."

"I am no rapist, Miss!"

"You are incapable?"

"Of rape?"

"I would not resist."

"You are an unusual lady."

"You Sir, are charmingly inept at seduction."

"It is not my usual line of work."

"I could assist."

"I do not understand, Miss Dora."

"Need you?"

Now it was his turn to pause. Eventually he answered her. "I find you attractive, Miss Dora. I find your attitude more so. I would, if you would, even if I should not understand the reasoning."

"Let us, then."

"Now?"

"Now."

"But, what of Miss Elizabeth?"

"This is part of the reasoning. I've agreed not to struggle quite so much, on the condition that you do not molest my innocent sister."

"I would not..."

"No, but I would say you would, should I be questioned."

They started walking then, and I could no longer hear the conversation. I was unsure what I should do, but Dora looked across and smiled at me. It was our secret smile, and I knew she had the highwayman under her control.

They found a clearing that seemed warm and comfortable, whispering as they walked. I followed, keeping my distance, but wondering what exactly Dora was going to do. As I rounded a clump of trees, and saw them again, I was amazed.

Dora had dropped to her knees on the grass, and was opening Mr Downard's trousers. As I moved a little closer to watch, she released his member, and proceeded to stroke it with her hand while undoing his trousers, and talking quietly with him.

I'd never seen a man's cock before, though Dora had told me of some adventures she'd had with them, and I was surprised at the size of it. It was wide, and slightly curved, attractive in a strange fashion. It jutted from his trousers, and curved slightly upwards. After a brief struggle with the trousers, they fell to the ground, and she looked up at him and smiled before taking his erection into her mouth.

I'd thought, until now, that there was at least some chance that she was going to trick him somehow, and take the money back, but I could see that she fully intended to go through with it.

She didn't keep him in her mouth for long though. Just as she got started, her wet lips sliding up and down the length of it, he pulled her back to her feet, and leaned down a little to kiss her gently on the mouth. His hands slid down her body, but when they reached her hips she stopped him, kissed him again and took a step back. Her hands undid the familiar ties, and soon she had removed her skirt, and all the things that went with it. She stood there in a bustle, and a set of cotton drawers. I don't wear drawers myself, but she looked pretty in them, standing in the forest with the dark man.

He slid his hands down her back now, then inside the cotton and over my sister's buttocks. I'd been curious until this point, but now I wanted that to be me. I wanted him to take me like that, to slide his hands over my skin. I didn't dare to do anything about it, but I watched intently, exceedingly jealous, wanting his large hands to handle my body like that.

Dora was helping him wherever she could, and pulled the drawers down with some enthusiasm, allowing him better access before grabbing him and pulling him with her as she fell to the grass on her back.

I watched intently as he began kissing her, first on her lips, and then her neck, and down to the tops of her breasts. I could clearly see his erection as he rubbed it up and down the insides of Dora's legs, and between her thighs. My own thighs tingled as he touched her, as he squeezed her covered breasts as best he could, and she lifted her knees to encourage him to continue.

Stopping for a moment to position himself, he lifted his body from her for a moment, and I could clearly see the size of him before he lowered himself, and pressed himself into her. Dora's moans were loud and strong, matching her enthusiasm, and I could almost feel him, as though it were me he was impaling.

I dropped the musket carelessly to the leaf strewn path, lifted up my own skirts, and pressed my fingers up inside myself, pretending it was him, that I was lying on the grass, and his hard cock was spreading me the way he must be spreading Dora.

Her face was flushed, as I knew mine must be, and he started to thrust inside her, his cock sliding in and out beneath her dark hair, slippery and slick with her excitement as my fingers were with mine. They got into a rhythm that worked, and so did I, thinking momentarily of a word I'd just recently learned. Frig. I was frigging myself as they were cavorting on the grass.

I could see they were not going to take very long. Dora was thrusting hard against the intruder, as she did sometimes with her hairbrush, and the highwayman seemed close to his climax, judging from his movements.

I wasn't going to take very long either, my eager fingers thrusting wetly in and out of myself, pausing occasionally to stroke myself gently, but returning soon to the firm press of my digits deep inside. Dora was not the only one to have had experience with the hairbrush, but I was fairly sure she'd never caught me.

A lot happened very quickly then. Dora screamed as he thrust one more time, lifting her hips, and her bare bottom from the ground to impale herself as deeply as she was able, before collapsing in a series of uncoordinated contractions around the cock she'd appropriated. Mr Downard was unable to contain himself any longer, and he grunted as he released himself energetically.

I've discussed many times with Dora what that feels like, but despite her best efforts, I'm unable to imagine a reality where that happens. I have intentions of finding out, but Dora and I agree I'm not old enough yet. Nonetheless, the thought of Joseph (I can hardly call him anything else after watching he and my sister make the beast with two backs, surely) pushing himself inside me is too much, and I climax as well, dropping to my knees and savouring the delicious feelings, my fingers still inside myself, my thighs squeezed tight in pleasure.

By the time I recover, and stand up again, picking up the musket, they have separated, both of them struggling with their clothing. Dora drags her skirt across the grass, getting grass stains on the pretty cloth, and holding it up to see the effect, before swinging it at a tree trunk, tearing and dirtying it further.

They speak more coherently now, and without being preoccupied, I'm able to listen.

"Mr Downard, are you sure you are a highwayman?"

"Miss Dora, did I not hold you up at gunpoint?"

"And you raped me."

"Oh, yes, I forgot."

"I would, if I could, Joseph, persuade you to attack me again."

"I would be easily persuaded. But might I ask a question?"

"Indeed, Sir."

"Your skirt. You ruined it."

"I needed to ensure the story we agreed on was believable."

"I don't understand why you need the story. We could just have said nothing."

"No, I need the story."

"Goodness Miss Dora, why?"

"I... should I explain? You have provided me with an acceptable excuse."

"Excuse? For what?"

"My lack of virginity, for a start, Sir."

"This would be a problem?"

"If I am to marry Lawrence. Perhaps he might not notice. This removes the possibility."

"It seems overly cautious. He hardly seems the type to have much in the way of knowledge."

"Indeed. But soon, he'd notice the increase in the size of my stomach."

"Stomach? Oh, I might have..."

"No, Sir. You have provided only the excuse. You are, as they say, a little late."

"Oh, I see. I know some people who..."

"Yes, yes. I know also of some. I wish to keep the baby. I would not have my husband know that his cousin was so helpful."

"Why not marry the cousin?"

"His wife would be most upset."

"I see. It's a dangerous game you play, Miss Nathaniel."

"It appears so. It seemed harmless at the time."

"I wish you every success with it then."

They had started walking back to the coach, and I was walking ahead, trying to keep my distance, but wanting to continue to hear the conversation. Dora kept talking. "Speaking of success, Sir, you have the money, and the jewels, and have had one of the women. How goes your morning?"

"It is, Miss, nothing short of exceptional."

As we approached the coach, Lawrence was stirring, and Dora waved her arms at me, wanting me to hand over the musket to the robber, and let him leave before Lawrence awoke and found him there.

As I walked past Dora, she grinned and spoke quietly with me. "I saw you. You trollop."

"You are hardly in a position to comment, sister."

"I have the moral advantage. I was raped."

"I saw you, too, remember."

"Well, play along."

"I shall. I hope you understand what you are doing."

I'd walked beyond Dora by now, and was approaching the dark man, sitting astride his horse now. I started to pass the musket up to him, hesitated for a moment, and then spoke.

"Mr Downard, I wonder, should it be possible to arrange a rape?"

"Rape, Miss?"

"Yes, Sir. If I should happen this way again."

"Should I chance upon you in a coach, Miss, your honour would be decidedly at risk."

"We can arrange nothing more... firm?"

"We cannot."

"Well then, I shall have to travel upon this road. As much as necessary."

"I look forward to interrupting your journey."

"Your weapon, Sir. It is not, I think, nearly as impressive as the one you used earlier."

He grinned again, dug his heels into the horse, and rode off. I walked back with my sister to make up stories for her betrothed, and already there was a tingle between my thighs at the thought of being stopped here again.

Jan 2011
Great piece of writing. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Would like to read a sequel or two.

Aug 2010
Ah, a delightful tale, delightfully told. Thank you kind Sir for your efforts most appreciated. Encore! Encore!

Jan 2010
It was, indeed, all the worth you put into it, however difficult it was!

Apr 2008
You'd be surprised to know what you can get away with even with a chaperone. Especially one like elizabeth. That was great. Dora was very devious, no, i take that back. She's an opportunist.

Nov 2007
Some how this lacked the realism of The Mag... I just read. It was fun to read and I am glad I found it.

Jul 2006
Delightful!
      GBF: Oh, good!

Jul 2006
I have always loved the 'Augustan' age of English literature,, and doted on Fielding. His life of Jonathan Wyld left me giggling for days after. Yours mildly risque scenarios is a worthy tribute to that era of elegant dreas, mannger, and speech. The good
      GBF: I just love your feedback!

Jul 2006
Quite nice.
      GBF: Nice? :-)

Jul 2006
Excellent. Very few stories I have read manage to convey eroticism with courtesy and finesse and flirtatious wiles. If you can write one like this, you can do so again and become known as an author of exquisite smut (if that should please you as surely it
      GBF: Thanks. I have over a hundred stories online now... I hope I've done it again. :-)

Jun 2006
(HUGE GRIN) Love this!! Pithy and fun! More!! 0h wait.. how about a pirate story...
      GBF: Oh, I'm SO pleased you like that one!

Jun 2006
Great Story! Hope you write a part 2
      GBF: Damn pressure... :-)

May 2006
ROFLMAO. _What_ a _conniving_ _Minx_! I hope Lawrence doesn't marry her, she won't be happy in it. Come to think of it, they're _both_ conniving minxes. If I'd met them when I was young, I'd have died like the donkey between the two piles of hay!
      GBF: Bad is the new good though. :-)

May 2006
Excellent story. I think you did an excellent job of catching the supposed innocence of that earlier time with your characters. And the plot was fun. Another would be wonderful.
      GBF: Dammit. The pressure.

May 2006
nicely silly. for two other takes on the "sex with a highwayman" theme, try the songs "On the Road to Fairfax County" by the Roches and "The Naked Highwayman" by Fairport Convention
      GBF: If only I could find the time... :-)

May 2006
A very intriguing, humorous story. I love the "period" theme, well carried through the dialogue. Very entertaining. As usual, a good job.
      GBF: Thanks.

May 2006
is there going to be a follow up to this one or is there already a follow up i haven't checked yet lol?? but if there isn't one i think you should seriously consider writing one
      GBF: I only just finished writing THIS one! :-)

May 2006
Gentle, As usual, quirky and wonderful prose from a gently twisted mind.
      GBF: Thanks... Hey, hold on! :-)

May 2006
Saucy wenches eh wot.....but delightful none-the-less. I'd say rather enterprising too. Good story.
      GBF: I don't know what you're talking about! :-)

May 2006
A very nice story. It was interesting. Wish the highway man could have *****. . I did enjoy this one. Would love to hear more.
      GBF: Thanks. Sorry to ***** some of your story

May 2006
This was a very naughty story. The poor highwayman never had a chance! Clever plot! Thanks so much for writing.
      GBF: Thanks for that. Sorry to butcher your feedback.

May 2006
I think this is a well-written story and your efforts in creating it were worthwhile. You did a great job creating dialogue that would fit the era.
      GBF: Well, thank you very much. You can sit over here, with me. :-)

May 2006
Hi This is a very interesting story. The ending was a complete surprise. I liked it. Keep up the good work.
      GBF: Interesting is good! :-) Surprise is better!

May 2006
A captivting tale with an unusual twist. I enjoyed it!
      GBF: Well with me it would be unusual without the twist. :-)

May 2006
very clever I kept imagining John Cleese and Carol Cleveland. well, it's not a botany lesson... thanks, I think it was worth the effort.
      GBF: Well, I wasn't aiming for Cleese, but it's a hell of an image. :-)

May 2006
Really different from your normal stories. But I prefer the old stories to this. It is well written but not as fast moving and sexy as usual. Can't really get excited over this one.
      GBF: Bummer. :-(

May 2006
Heh, Victorian shenannigans. The puritan dogma is far from universal, thank the gods!
      GBF: Oh, it was only fun because it was forbidden!

May 2006
Excellent! Witty as ever. I love the verbal sparring your characters always engage in...
      GBF: Thanks. I've figured out that I write that way purely because I can't think fast enough to talk that way. :-)

May 2006
An artful glimpse of life and lust from times past. Most enjoyable.
      GBF: Thanks.

May 2006
I wouldn't have shared such confidences with my sister.... but my -girlfriends- would have covered my story! *Grin* (and almost had the chance ... but the 'rogue' in my story got cold feet and disappeared! .... and I may not have quite been a virgin.... *
      GBF: Not *quite* ? :-)

May 2006
Excellent. Worth it!

May 2006
Well - I don't know if it was worth it for you to write - but it surely was for me to read!!!! The only reason I didn't give it a 12 or 14 is the option wasn't offered.
      GBF: Thanks Peter. I'll try to do better. :-)

May 2006
WOW a+++ :P

May 2006
This was very enjoyable. I found the whole thing well written, thank you for writing it!
      GBF: Pleased you enjoyed it.

May 2006
Very nice! I liked the 'sauciness' of both ladies in getting what they really wanted; though finding such an eloquent and refined highwayman was a 'stroke' of luck. I can only imagine the look on her fiance's face when he recovers.
      GBF: They do have some explaining to do...

May 2006
Very enjoyable! Might we be treated to a sequel anytime soon? I'm greedy - I could have given more points for a longer story....
      GBF: I can only write that much! :-)

May 2006
Sigh. :) Marvelous. I do like a rogue, athough Dora seems more roguish than Joseph! Absolutely marvelous.
      GBF: it's all relative!

May 2006
Fun story. I'd like to meet her sometime myself!
      GBF: Hell, I'm not sure I'd want to...