Lakeside Love

Michael Stevens, a poor mans son, started his job as a stable keeper in a rich mans home. His job provided lodging as well as some income. He never expected that it would give him something more...1

"You're done for the day Michael," the stable master said. "Go and do something that's out of the way."2

"If you don't mind, I'd like to work a little bit more and get the hang of things around here," Michael said.3

"Yeah, fine. Go introduce yourself to Nicholas, and ask if he needs any help. You'll find him in the stables," the master replied.4

"Nicholas?"5

"My assistant and your other boss," he said with an annoyed tone.6

"Yes sir," Michael said and went to the stables to find the other boss.7

When he got to the entrance, he heard a woman humming. He listened and decided that he would just peek and see if she knew where this Nicholas was.8

He peeked in and, to his amazement, there wasn't a woman in sight, only a short, scrawny man, with long brown hair in a braid. 9

"'Scuse me, who're you?" the little man asked in a gravely voice.10

"Oh, I'm Michael, the new hand here. I'm lookin' for Nicholas and was told I could find him here."11

"I'm he. What you want?" he replied, turning back to his work.12

"The boss said to ask if you needed any help here, seein' as I'm tryin' to get the hang of things 'round here," Michael said as he moved closer to the shorter man.13

"Well, I don't need no help. Go to the fields and see if you can find somethin' there," Nicholas said moving to a work bench with a piece of saddle.14

"Well, I could just clean the horses stalls or feed 'em if you want," he offered.15

"Stalls already cleaned and horses already got their food. You can go now," the little man said and went back to his work, ignoring Michael.16

"NICHOLAS!" the stable master yelled from the across the yard.17

Nicholas moved to the door and shouted back, "WHAT?!"18

"Grab the Masters horse!" came the reply, "And also the Wife's horse as well!"19

"'Kay, they'll be ready in five!" Nicholas shouted back. "Anything else?"20

"Yeah, let the new hand help you get 'em ready!"21

There was a huff from Nicholas. "Come on boy."22

Michael was surprised that he was referred to as 'boy' from Nicholas, he couldn't be that much younger then him.23

"Get that horse," Nicholas pointed, " and put that side saddle on the beast. Watch out, she'll take your arm off if she smells your fear," he said with a wicked smile.24

"Yes sir," he said. He went to grab the horse and she stomped at him. This made him jump a bit but, he swallowed his fear and managed to get the horse ready with minor damage to himself.25

Nicholas smile when he saw that Michael had the horse ready. He led the way to the Master and Mistress. 26

When the Master was on, Nicholas spoke very frankly with him.27

"Sir, I would like to request the rest of the day off. My own horse needs a run and I would love to take her out for the afternoon."28

"Nick, you know you never need ask. The afternoon is yours. You hear me Robert?"29

The stable master nodded, looking sour about the idea.30

"Thank you Sir," and Nicholas was off, back to the stables.31

Robert looked at Michael, "Seeing as Nicholas is now off for the rest of the day, you might as well go do something with your day as well."32

"Is it okay if I borrow one of the work horses?"33

The stable master looked at him for a moment, then making up his mind said, "If you damage the horse, I'll damage you and then cut your wages till the horse is paid for."34

"Yes sir," he said and was off.35

He ran to the stables, in the hopes that he could follow Nicholas. Something about that little man bothered him. He looked around and saw that another horse was missing and remembered which one it was. Then he grabbed one of the work horses, saddled it up and went looking for Nicholas.36

It took about an hour before I spotted the horse. It was sitting by the lake that was hidden in the woods. He didn't even know there was one like this so close to the town.37

He looked around and saw Nicholas' cloths in a pile, with his hat on top with his pocket treasures in it.38

Looking out into the lake, he saw Nicholas way out, taking a swim. As Michael got closer to the lake, he saw a bandage with the cloths. No wonder the little man was so grumpy; he was injured and probably didn't tell anyone.39

Michael waited until Nicholas came a little closer to shore before he let him know he was there. "Hey, Nicholas!" he shouted when he was sure he would be heard.40

Nicholas stood, turned and stared at Michael. Michael almost fell off his horse when he saw Nicholas. There, on his chest was a set of perfect breasts.41

"What the hell do you think you're doing!" he, she, screamed at him.42

"I... I... I..." he stammered.43

At this point, Nicholas was on shore, with his, her, beautiful body completely exposed. 44

"Well?" she said as she started to put her shirt on.45

"You're a woman," was the only thing that Michael could come up to say.46

"Yeah, I am," she sighed as she pulled on her trousers, "It doesn't matter if you tell anyone. They won't believe you." She was relatively calm about this.47

Michael just stared at her. He finally found his voice, "You were the one humming in the barn earlier, weren't you?"48

She stared at him for a moment then sheepishly said, "You heard that, huh?"49

He nodded, "Yeah, but I never thought it was you."50

She busied herself unpacking food from a saddle bag. "You hungry?" she asked unexpectedly.51

He lost his voice again, and just nodded.52

"So, what made you follow me?" Nicholas asked in a now less gravely voice. Her voice actually sounded quiet lovely.53

"I'm not sure. The fact that you were stand offish I guess."54

"Well, I'm that way for a reason," she said as she tore some bread and handed it to him.55

"Yeah, I guess you do have a reason," he pointed to her chest.56

"That's part of it," she nodded and took a bite of food and passing some dried meat.57

They ate in silence until Michael finally decided to speak, "What's your real name?"58

"Why?" she asked.59

"I just want to know is all," he spoke softly.60

"Nichole," and then she was up, naked and back in the lake.61

Michael was shocked at her since of immodesty but, he just sat there and watched her. After a brief period of time, she yelled out to him, "Come on in!"62

He just sat there and thought for a moment that she was joking till she signaled that it was okay.63

He stripped down and jumped in. "So, I guess this is where you can be yourself then?" he asked when he got closer to her.64

"Yeah, the lake is on a part of the land where no one is allowed 'cept me," she said.65

"Why's that?" he asked.66

"I'm the masters former daughter-in-law, and he knows who I am."67

Michael stopped and stared at her with a blank face.68

"My husband, the Masters middle son, died five years ago in an accident," she started. "When that happened, the Master offered me to his eldest. I stopped that rather quickly. I loved my husband but, I cannot conceive a child. My husband knew and we were fine with this. 69

"I informed my father-in-law and he was rather surprised to hear this. I also informed him that if I returned to my own family, they would turn me out in an instant. So, I made a deal with him; I could keep my lodgings, though move to the hands quarters, in return, I'd work for him in the guise of a man. He agreed, knowing that I was great with the horses and was just as helpful in the stables as any man. 70

"So, the Master knows and the Doctor knows and, till now, they were the only ones who did. Yes, I am a woman but, women are not allowed to work in the stables. They work as teachers and governess's and whatever else is womens work. If someone found out my secret, the Master will deny knowing who I am and I will be turned away."71

"I won't say a word," Michael said. 72

Nichole nodded, "Always call me Nicholas at the stables and you're more then welcome to come here." she said.73

Then, she dived under, popped up close to land, quickly got dressed, this time with the bandage that strapped down her breasts, and was gone.74

Michael stayed where he was and swam for a while longer. When the sun started setting, he headed back to the stables.75

Over the next few months, Michael spent more time with Nichole at the lake. They both took turns bringing food and drink, they swam and just talked. 76

While they were working, and she was Nicholas, they barely spoke. But, as Nichole, she was a joy to be around. 77

Then one day, at the lake, during their swim, Nichole was quieter the usual.78

When they got to shore to dry off, Michael decided to ask, "What's eatin' ya?"79

"Hmm?" she looked up a him. 80

How could he ever mistake her for a man? She was so beautiful and perfect.81

"I asked, what's eatin' ya?" he repeated.82

"Oh," she paused, "I don't want to talk about it."83

"You always want to talk when we're here. What is it?"84

"I said, I don't want to talk about it," she said, her voice cracking a little.85

"I'm not gonna let you leave till you tell me," Michael said.86

She just shook her head, "You can't make me talk if I don't wanna talk," her voice cracked a little more. It sounded like she was holding back on crying.87

"Nichole, what has you so upset?" Michael moved in closer till their naked bodies almost touched.88

Nichole tucked her head in her arms and let go of the tears.89

"Nichole?" Michael asked in an unsure tone, reaching out and rubbing her back in a reassuring manner.90

As soon as he touched her, she turned her head and looked at him. Then in a cracked voice, different from her sing-song voice that only he got to hear she spoke very softly, "Michael, say my name again."91

"Nichole. Is that what's bothering you? That you have to hide who you are?"92

She shook her head and moved herself so to face him. Michael was unsure of what was going on but, he stayed put. She touched his face and gingerly moved his hair out of his eyes. Then, in a less cracked voice, softly said, "I love you," and pulled him into a kiss.93

When the kiss broke, Michael was speechless. 94

"Please say something," Nichole said.95

When he continued his silence, she tried to stand but, before she could, Michael grabbed her arm and pulled her into his arms and kissed her in return. "I love you too," he said after the kiss.96

He himself hadn't even realized that he did love her until that moment.97

When he said it, she hugged him tighter. He tilted her head and looked into her big blue eyes.98

Michael kissed her again and more. They made love on the shore of the lake. When they were finished, they ate the food that was brought and went back in for another swim, where they once again, made love.99

By night fall, Nichole had herself wrapped up and was ready to get home. She had decided to quit her job and have Nicholas disappear and Nichole reappear. If Michael and her were caught, things could get ugly.100

When they returned to the house, Nichole, as Nicholas, knocked on the study door. The Master called, "Come in."101

"'Scuse me sir for interrupting your night but, I would like to speak to you about the, um, horses," she said in her gravely voice, also giving the cue that she wished to speak to him as Nichole.102

Robert, the stable master, was sitting at the desk listening very intently. "Well," he prodded when she didn't continue.103

"Robert, leave us," the Master said.104

"But..." he tried.105

"I said leave," the Master said in a more stern voice.106

When Robert was gone, Nichole closed the door behind her and took off her hat. 107

"Ah, there you are my dear Nichole," her father-in-law said in a loving manner. He stood and hugged her, as he always did in privet meetings with her. "What is it my dear?"108

Nichole hugged him back. He was the closest thing she had to a real father, ever since she became Nicholas. She still called him 'father' even though her husband was long gone.109

"I wanted to speak to you about moving back into the house as Nichole," she said bravely.110

"This is about that new stable hand, isn't it?" he asked, looking stern.111

She nodded, "I don't wish to get caught and I do love him, and he loves me."112

"How long has this man known about your secret?" he asked.113

"He discovered it within the first week of his arrival," she replied.114

"Hmm, and he had not said a word about it?" he looked thoughtful. "Put your hat on dear," he said.115

Then, he called in a maid, "Please have Michael come to my office at once."116

The maid nodded and left. While they waited, Nichole stayed seated and the Master started to pace while they waited in silence.117

There was a soft knock at the door that made them both jump. "Come in," the master said.118

Michael came in, looking rather confused at his situation. "Yes sir," was all that came out. The maid was right behind him waiting for another order.119

"That is all, you may leave and close the door behind you," the Master said to the girl.120

Michael looked at Nichole and held back his smile.121

"So, you knew Nichole's secret and said not a word," the Master looked at him.122

He nodded, fear running down his back.123

"Why?" the Master asked.124

Michael's confusion returned, "What do you mean sir?" he asked.125

The Master looked at him, studied him, then asked again, "Why did you keep Nichole's secret?"126

Michael understood, or so he hoped he understood, where the Master was going with this. "Sir, I kept her secret for it is not in me to get someone hurt or killed for no reason. She loves working with the animals so who was I to take that from her?"127

The master nodded, "Very well," he said. He then looked at Nichole, "You wish to return to my house as Nichole? Does that mean you will remain here as her and just be my daughter-in-law?"128

Nichole nodded, then spoke, "If anything, I will remain here and just be your daughter if you let me, father."129

The Master nodded, "I will have no objections to that at all my dear. So, as of this moment, Nicholas has quit and is gone."130

Michael watched Nichole's face light up with joy. 131

"You will find that your room is as you left it," the Master said, in his way of excusing her. He turned to Michael, "So, will you be making an honest woman out of her at the least?"132

Michael stared for a moment, then understanding what he was being asked, nodded.133

"Very good. We'll wait a few months so that there's no suspicion as to what has happened and will go from there. Dismissed," the Master said and shooed Michael from the study.134

Nichole made her reintroduction to the family a few days later and, nobody knew what happened to Nicholas. 135

Michael and Nichole continued their days at the lake. For months they met in secret and only the Master knew. 136

One day, Michael went to the lake early to surprise Nichole. He waited, and when she didn't show up on time, or even late, he got worried. Feeling that something was wrong, he raced back to the stables. Nichole's horse was still there, and nothing looked out of place.137

He ran to the Master's house and requested to see him at once. When the Master came outside, and saw Michael, he asked, "Where's Nichole?"138

"That's why I came to see you. She's not here?"139

"No, she said that she was leaving about an hour ago," the Master looked concerned.140

"Her horse is still in it's stall," Michael said. Worry was crawling up his spine. Something was very wrong and he wanted to know what.141

The Master called a search of the entire grounds for Nichole. Michael looked in the places that only they knew of. While in the barn, looking in the hidden cellar, he heard muffled screams coming from the hay loft above.142

He climbed the ladder and found Nichole bound and gagged and Robert unconscious beside her.143

Nichole started sobbing when Michael grabbed her up in his arms. He undid the gag, "Are you alright?" he asked, knowing the answer.144

Nichole didn't answer, just sobbed into his shoulder.145

Michael carried her to the Master and told the other hands where to find Robert.146

When Robert woke, Michael and the Master were standing over him. Michael grabbed him by his shirt and shook him, "What the hell were you trying to do to Nichole?" he growled between his teeth.147

The Master touched his shoulder, and he instantly calmed. Then, he turned to Robert, still in Michael's hands, and simply asked, "What were you doing?"148

Robert smiled, "Michael had touched your daughter."149

Michael dropped him then, proceeded to kick him in the ribs. Again, the Master touched his shoulder and spoke, "I know, they're married. That's why she's here. I had them married secretly." Michael looked at the Master as he told the lie. 150

Robert started to stand and was stopped when the Master kicked him in the stomach. "Now, answer my question, what were you doing with my daughter?"151

Robert looked up and said, "If he could have her, then I surely could."152

Michael went to move but, the Master stopped him. "Is that what she wanted?" he asked Robert, "Because it looks to me that wasn't the case."153

"Hmph," Robert started, "I really don't care what she wanted. She's a woman and I wanted her. I saw him take her, so why couldn't I?"154

The Master bent over and got in Roberts face, "Because, Michael, unlike you, has my blessing to have her. And seeing as they are married, I will let Michael decide your fate." The Master stood and nodded to Michael.155

Michael kicked Robert in the face, knocking him out again. "Sir, I want Nichole to have a say in his punishment," he stated. It wasn't a request and the Master understood this.156

"Very well," he took a deep breath, "But make sure that she is well before asking her of this."157

Michael nodded and went to Nichole. She was sleeping and he sat down by her bed and waited.158

When she woke, Michael asked if she was okay.159

"I'm fine. Robert knocked me out and when I came to, he was lashing my legs together. When he was done, I kicked him in the face, knocking him out in return. It was a while later when you came in and found me," tears were falling down her cheeks. "If he did do anything, it was while I was out. I don't think he did though."160

Michael grabbed her up in his arms and held her there while she sobbed. 161

When she stopped shaking, he spoke softly, "Robert's punishment is up to you."162

She looked up at him, "I want him gone. Not killed but just gone."163

"Your wish will be done," Michael said, got up and informed the Master of her request.164

"She's always been strong and forgiving," the Master said as they walked back to the barn. "But, Robert will be taught a lesson before we send him on his way."165

When they got there, Robert was only just coming to. Michael kicked him, punched him and made sure he stayed awake for the whole 'lesson'.166

When Michael and the Master were both satisfied with the lesson, they tended the wounds and saw him on his way, making sure that he wouldn't dare coming into this town ever again.167

Nichole healed and went back to normal. She was happy and when Michael was sure the timing was right, he finally proposed.168

"Michael, are you sure?" she asked when he did.169

Smiling, "It's the only thing in this life that I am sure of. I love you and only you. Will you be my wife?"170

"Of course," she said and knocked him over and into the lake, fully dressed. 171

When she let him go, they both climbed out and stripped down and made love in their lake.172

The wedding was very small. They held the ceremony right by the lake, where Michael saw Nichole for the first time.