Sneezy tales of an English maid (Chapter 1-6) Dec 2019

[Light]

The following is the full story up to this point of Emily, a maid working at manner of Miss Everheart, and the unusual sneeze filled occurrences that began taking place after one particular dinner party.  

 

If I continue writing with these characters I will add them as additional parts to this post.

 

Enjoy and as always I would love your thoughts.

 

 

 

Chapter 1

The dinner party

 

 

Emily straitened her black and white dress then gracefully picked up the tray of champagne glasses, five in all, filled with sparkling expensive wine.

 

She made her way from the bustling kitchen out to the grand hall where the Lady's guest mingled and laughed. It seemed at least once a month that Lady Everheart held a large party for some reason or another. Not that Emily minded that is, she actually enjoyed the spectacle of the city's upper class and Lady Everheart was very kind to her servants even allowing a small get together for them after the guests had left were that could enjoy the plentiful left overs. Yes Lady Everheart was good to work for Emily thought with a grin. That was of course as long as one remained professional at all times while working. Composed and collected was the way she liked things. Not really a problem for Emily as she prided herself on having worked at the manor for years with out so much as a talking too, let alone a scolding.

She smiled politely as she moved throughout the party, the full drinks on her tray being replaced by empty glasses. 

 

As Emily rounded the corner she saw a quick flap of white from her right. A noble woman held a handkerchief in her hand and had apparently flicked it in the air. A moment later...

 

"HEH-HECHOOOOOO!" 

 

The woman sneezed rather hard into the handkerchief. Emily was about to move on when the woman saw her and waved her over. As Emily started over with the tray she felt a sudden small tickle in her nose. She wiggled it trying to make the itch go away but it only seemed to grow. 'Not good' she thought. She felt like she needed to sneeze and that was a problem. While she was very good at being prim and proper, her sneezes were anything but. While girly, they were very loud and wet and she had never been good at stifling. 

 

The woman took a glass off the tray and delicately touched her handkerchief to her nose which immediately wrinkled. 

 

"HACHOOOOOOOW!!"

 

The noble woman sneezed even louder and more dramatically then before. 

 

"Nothing like a good sneeze." she said to no one specific then she turned to Emily, her face asking why she had not been offered a "bless you" as was polite custom. Seeing Emily’s face however her look was replaced with a smile. 

 

"Oh my dear girl." she said with a knowing tone to her voice "You look as though you have a sneeze brewing. Well no sense in holding it in, not healthy for you you know, let it out dear. Go on."

 

"I-I cah-can't m-ma'am" Emily managed "It wouldn't be prob-proper. My madam w-would not ah-approve"

 

"That really is a shame young lady." the noble woman said "Sneezing can be so enjoyable."

 

Emily rubbed her nose trying to be discreet as possible. Sneezing enjoyable? Well she supposed so but still she couldn't let herself let one out here.

 

The noble lady smiled. "Well if your sure then here, use this." 

 

She handed a new handkerchief to Emily who took it and blew her nose as quietly and ladylike as she could. Only it didn't help, in fact the tickle in Emily's nose only increased. 

 

"Wha-what was ih-in thah- hah HAH!!" Emily said almost loosing control.

 

"Oh I'm so sorry dear." the noble woman said "I must have accidentally given you one of my snuff handkerchiefs. Such a wonderful concoction snuff, brings out sneezes in even the most stubborn nose. It's all the rage in London you know. Why I heard that.......oh dear girl, just give in and sneeze already."

 

Emily's eyes were fluttering and her breath hitching but she would not give in without a fight.

 

"I-if thah-that i-is all Hah! ma'am." Emily said somehow managing a curtsy. 

 

"Oh well." the noble said "I suppose I won't torture you. Go on now."

 

Emily nodded and turned, heading back towards the hall leading to the kitchen. If she could make it to the wine closet she could let herself go and no one would hear. She had almost reached the hall when she realized she still had one glass of champagne left on her tray. No server was to return with a full glass. Emily almost moaned as she turned and looked for a guest with an empty glass. None were in sight.  She began to move through the crowd, her nose on fire with tickles and her eyes barely staying open but still she found no one needing a drink. That was it, she was going to sneeze and she couldn't hold it back any longer. She was about to give in when an idea struck her and her eyes popped back open. Giving her nose another rub she ducked behind a large house plant, scooped the drink off her tray and downed it in one gulp. She almost coughed but managed not to. The wine was quite tasty actually but the bubbles had only made things worse on her nose. 

A timer of sorts had started. She didn't know how she knew but she would sneeze in the next thirty seconds no matter where she was. Moving as fast as she could without losing her grace she move towards the hall, down it then past the kitchen.

 

"HAH..HAH HAAAH HAAAH!!!!"

 

The sneeze was coming as she reach the wine closet door and pushed it open. 

 

"HAAAAACHOOOOOOOOOW HATCHOOOOOOOOW HAH HAH-ASHOOOOOOOOOW ACHOOOOOOOW ACHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!"

 

Emily sneezed and sneezed loud wet and unstifled, her body pitching forward and the tray dropping to the floor, the wine glass somehow not breaking. 

 

She turned and noticed that the door was still open and managed to close it just as another fit started. 

In the main hall the noble woman's eyes grew wide. Even with all the noise she had still heard the first set of sneezes. 

 

"Amazing." she said "Its no wonder she did not want to sneeze in the dining hall."

 

She grinned "I must see if Lady Everheart would have me for tea sometime. I'm sure that servant would not mind attending us."

With a smile she patted the small box of snuff in her hand bag and went to find the lady of the house and invite herself over for tea.

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 2

A strange day in the gardens.

 

 

 

The kettle let out its long whistle and Emily quickly picked it up using an oven mitt. Carefully she pored the hot water into an elaborate tea pot were her own special blend of tea sat waiting. She arranged a collection of the Lady's favorite cookies on a small plate and then added it along with the tea pot and two cups to the serving tray. After looking over her maid uniform as she always did before leaving the kitchen Emily picked up the tray and headed through the big house and out to the gardens where Miss Everheart and her guest waited. 

She smiled at the warmth of the spring sun as she stepped out into the beautifully manicured gardens. One of the many things she loved about working here, everything had a beautifully proper elegance to it just like Miss Everheart liked it and how she herself had grown to appreciate it. 

 

Rows of flowers lined the walk way leading deeper into the gardens and Emily inhaled deeply as she walked enjoying the sweet fragrances. She was so glad she did not have allergies as some of the other servants did. She would likely not be able to serve the Lady in the gardens if she did. Miss Everheart loved formality and edict in her employees and expected them to act accordingly while working for her. And there was nothing less formal, less proper  then a-

 

HAAATCHOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

 

Emily almost missed a step as a rather loud sneeze came form deeper in the garden. It sounded near the tea tables where she was to find the Lady and her guest. It couldn't have been Miss Everheart, for one thing Emily had never once seen her lose her proper demeanor for even a second, for another the sneeze sounded familiar as odd as that was. She kept walking checking the tray to make sure everything was just right. 

 

Under the shade of a large tree was located a set of chairs and a table. As Emily approached the two women seated in the chairs turned her way. Miss Everheart gave her small approving nod that she kept for those who had repeatedly done well in her eyes and Emily gave small smile back. 

 

The other woman at the table finished politely brushing the bottom of her nose with a handkerchief then gave Emily a wide smile. Emily fought to keep her face from showing her surprise. It was the noble woman from the party a few weeks ago. The one who had tried to make her sneeze, in the main hall, in front of everyone. Emily took notice of the woman's handkerchief and made a note to stay far away from it this time. She was sure it was completely dusted with snuff as it had been at the party and she had discovered that night, thanks to this woman, that her nose was especially sensitive to it. Doing her best to act normal while keeping far from the handkerchief, Emily set out two cups and began to pore tea for both women. 

 

"Are you sure you wish to remain in the gardens Caroline?" Miss Everheart said continuing what must have been the conversion from before Emily arrived "I would be happy to have the servants arrange the sitting room for tea instead if your allergies are roused by the flowers."

 

"No need," the Lady said whose name was apparently Caroline "The gardens are simply too beautiful this time of year to let a few sneezes stand in the way of our enjoyment of them. Besides a proper sneeze is good for the spirit they say, why I heard that in London.........."

 

Caroline went on about how sneezing was all the rage in Europe or something like that. Emily didn't take notice, she was to busy trying to finish arranging the small cookies and cupcakes that the Lady had requested, then she planned to get away from this odd woman. 

 

Finishing she looked at Miss Everheart who gave her a nod of dismissal and Emily turned to go, but she had not even take one step when...

 

"Oh, excuse me." Caroline said in Emily's direction. Emily turned. 

Caroline when on, "Would you be a dear and- Oh my! Look out! A bee!" 

Caroline flapped her handkerchief just to the right of Emily's head at a supposed bee that Emily guessed was not even there. From this close Emily could see the fine snuff powder poof off the handkerchief and the instant tickle told her Caroline had hit her target. Emily waved a hand in front of her face seeming to shoo away the bee but in reality she was trying to wave the sneeze away that was building. 

 

What was with this woman?! Why was she so determined to make Emily sneeze at the worst times. First the party and now right in front of Miss Everheart herself.

 

That was as far as her thoughts got before her whole mind was focused on not sneezing. But as she had discovered at the party her nose was quite weak to snuff. 

 

"Heh.....eh.."

 

Two small hitches slipped out and Emily held her nose forgetting herself for just a moment.

 

"Are you alright Emily?" Miss Everheart asked "Is something wrong?"

 

Emily shook her head but she knew she couldn't stop what was coming. Her eyes rolled sneezily and her head lifted back.

 

"It looks like she needs to sneeze" Caroline said with just the slightest hint of anticipation slipping through.

Through eyes she had to fight to keep open Emily say Miss Everheart make a slightly disgusted face. 

 

"Well if you must, just do it quickly and get it over with." Everheart finally said with an exasperated sign.

 

HESHOOOOOOO ETCHOOOOOOOOWWW!!

 

Emily's nose let go the instant she was given permission, sneezing hard and rather loudly despite her efforts to keep them quiet and lady like. 

 

"Dear girl!" Miss Everheart exclaimed "Must you sneeze so loud and unladylike? It is not at all proper."

 

Emily was torn between wanting to apologize and a strong desire to take one of the cup cakes and cram it in Caroline's face. Well, those two things and the desire to begin sneezing again. Before she could do anything Caroline spoke up.

 

"Don't be too hard on her." she said to Miss Everheart "Most people can't help how they sneeze. And besides a good sneeze can be quite refreshing. It's not healthy to hold them in."  

 

"Nonsense." Miss Everheart said "I can keep my manors just fine when I sneeze, which is rarely ever I might add." 

 

Emily was not sure she should still apologize or not as Caroline seemed to have distracted her Lady. Still her nose burned and she knew more sneeze were on the way but she could not just leave without being dismissed.

 

"Really?" Caroline said "You have never had a sneeze so strong you couldn't keep it ladylike?" 

 

"Never." 

 

"Poor thing. You don't know what you are missing."

 

There was a long pause.

 

"They........is there really that much of a difference?" Miss Everheart asked. 

 

Emily was stunned. Miss Everheart seemed, curious. The tickle in her nose seemed to vanish as she was filled with her own curiosity of what would happen next.

 

"Oh honey you should really try it some time." Caroline said "In fact, I can help you if you would like. Try a pinch of this."

 

Caroline reached in her hand bag and pulled out a small ornate box.

 

"This is from France." Caroline said proudly "The very best in snuff. If this won't make you have a good sneeze nothing will."

 

Miss Everheart looked at the box for a moment weighing her curiosity against her properness. Then she looked at Emily.

 

"You are not to breath a word of this." she said "Am I clear?"

 

Emily nodded vigorously.

 

"How does it work?" Everheart asked.

 

Caroline smiled. "All you need do is inhale a little through your nose and it will do the rest." she said. 

 

She took a clean handkerchief from her hand bag and dipped it in to the snuff, then she held it out to Miss Everheart. 

 

"It's best we start with just a little mind you. Now, hold it under your nose and breath in."

 

Emily watched stunned as Miss Everheart did just that. She couldn't believe what she was seeing, and for that matter what she was about to see. Miss Everheart had never so much as coughed in her presence always staying as proper and prim as possible.

 

"Oh! Oh that does feel ah-odd." Miss Everheart said as her face changed from one of composure to on of growing desperation. Her eyebrows arched upward in the middle and she waved her hand next to her face as though fanning herself. 

 

"Oh may I ah....hah....HAKRCHOOOOOO HAH HAKRCHOOOOO AHCHOOOOOOOO!!!" Miss Everheart sneezed. Oh how she sneezed. Hard and completely unladylike except for her high pitch.  Her body bent forward with each and she bumped the table causing the tea to spill slightly.

 

Emily immediately went to clean the spill out of habit but Caroline stopped her with light hand. 

 

"Let her enjoy it." she said.

 

Looking back at Miss Everheart Emily saw that she did seem to be enjoying it. One hand was pressed between her breasts while the other continued fanning. Her face was filled with desperation and something else......enjoyment!? Yes, she was smilling just the slightest bit as her head came back for another set of sneezes.

 

"HEKRCHOOOOOOO EKRCHOOOOOOOOO HEH HEH EH ETCHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!!!! Oh my heavens!" Miss Everheart said after the hardest set of sneezes yet "That wah was HEKRCHOOOOOOOO!! Oh bless me. That was simply divine." 

 

Miss Everheart smiled weakly with a slightly dazed expression that only lasted a moment before she remembered where she was and who was around her.

 

"I-I mean excuse me." she said with what almost seemed to be embarrassment. 

 

Emily was shocked. She had never seen her Lady so....out of control so.....normal and human. 

 

"So, what did you think." Caroline asked grinning "I told you a good sneeze or three would do wonders."

Miss Everheart gathered herself. When she answered, her formality was back. "That was quite the.....experience." she said dabbing her nose with a napkin "I can see the attraction." She looked up at Emily and started, like she had forgotten the maid was still there. "Not a word of this to anyone." she said "You are dismissed."

Emily curtsied "Yes my lady." the she turned to hurry off but Miss Everheart called to her before she had gotten two steps.

"And Emily" Miss Everheart said "Let the other maids know that those will allergies are permitted to enter the gardens again, if there are no guests visiting."

Emily nodded and hurried off. The last things she heard sounded like Miss Everheart asking Caroline were she could acquire a bit of snuff of her own. Emily shook her head. Darn that Caroline and her sneeze obsession. Still, it seemed that she had help Miss Everheart to, dare she think it, loosen up a little. Maybe she wasn't so bad after all. Still it had been a very strange day in the gardens.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 3

Dusting the library.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“She really said that?” Anna asked.

 

“Yes.” Emily said “We are free to sneeze if we need to. No one is banned from the gardens because of there allergies any longer. I suppose she still wants us to be polite about it but, yes we can sneeze any time we need to.”

 

 

Emily and most of the house staff where in the kitchen as Emily explained Miss Everheart’s new rules, or lack there of, concerning sneezing. Many of the maids and servants smiled. Emily knew some had longed to enjoy the gardens but had not dared go near them. Other maids would now be able to share more of the dusting with the rest as up till now only those who could resist sneezing from the dust had accomplished that chore. 

 

“I can finally make some of the more spice filled meals I have been wanting to try.” the cook said.

 

“What made the Lady change her mind?” the red haired maid Anna asked. 

 

“That is not for me to know.” Emily said “It’s not our place to question the Lady but we should enjoy this new found liberty.”

 

The others nodded and thankfully did not push the subject. Emily was glad of it. She had managed not to let on that she was pretty sure she knew why Miss Everheart had made the change but she did not feel it would be right to tell the others. Ladies had a right to privacy after all. Emily did find it odd and slightly worrying that the Lady had developed such a fascination with sneezing. That was what it was, a fascination. Only one day had passed but she had already noticed changes. Miss Everheart had remained in the gardens with the Lady Caroline long after tea time had ended. When Emily went out to inform them that lunch would be ready momentarily, she found them sniffing flowers together. Not that that was odd but they had seemed to be trying different ones in an effort to make themselves sneeze. Miss Everheart had not commented on it so Emily did not ask but it was odd. That night after serving the Lady her night cap, Emily had heard sneezes coming from behind the bed room door as soon as she left. Quite loud sneezes for that matter and too many to just be a random tickle. Yes, Miss Everheart had found an new fascination. Well, it was none of Emily’s business what the Lady chose to do with her time. Her job was to care for the manner and wait on the Lady as she needed.

 

 

It was Wednesday which meant a full dusting of the Everheart manner was the agenda. Normally it took two days but as those whole staff could now participate, it should only take a day at most. Emily started her portion on the third floor library, dusting books, shelves, and tables. The library was quite large with many rows of literature in shelves that went far over Emily’s head and she had to use one of the ladders to reach the highest ones. 

 

Emily was have way through a shelf when she felt a sudden tickle in her nose. She rubbed it out of habit but it did not go away. She sighed. She could hold it in easily after so much practice but it would be an annoyance for the rest of her work day. Then she remembered, she did not have to hold anything in. She could just let her body naturally respond to the tickle and if she sneezed it was okay. Emily stopped dusting and took a moment to relax. After so long of training herself to not sneeze it took effort to let herself go. Slowly the tickle grew and grew until Emily’s eyes began to flutter and her face took on a desperate pre-sneeze look and then......nothing. The sneeze was stuck. Emily opened her eyes with a worried look. The tickle was driving her mad but her body would not let herself sneeze. She had to do something or she would go crazy. Embarrassed but seeing no alternative she began looking for something that would help her get the sneeze out. Her duster! She looked down at the dust covered feathers and concluded that if it didn’t help her sneeze nothing would. Gingerly Emily began to tickle her nose with the duster and the effects were almost instant.

 

 

“HASHOOOOOOOOOO!!!”

 

She sneezed, harder and louder then she anticipated but the tickle wasn’t quite satisfied.

 

“HAH ASHOOOOOOO HA HAH AH ATCHOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!!!!”

 

Two more sneezes and she was done and trying to catch her breath. 

 

“Wow. It must be true if you are sneezing.” a voice said “Your the most proper of us all.”

 

Emily jumped and held in a shriek. Turning quickly she saw Anna who’s pail skin was turning as red as her hair. Anna was the newest and youngest maid working at the manner. She was pretty in more of a cute way then sexy and she had bright red hair and a shy smile which she now wore from embarrassment.

 

“Sorry.” she said still blushing“I didn’t...did not mean to sneak up on you.” 

 

“It’s quite alright Anna” Emily said with a smile. She liked Anna and had tried to take her under her wing so to speak, teaching her how to be a good maid and how to speak in a more proper manner. She was a little surprised however to find Anna holding a feather duster.

 

Anna had not been assigned a dusting job since her first day when she had discovered she had a strong allergy to dust. Less then a minute dusting on that day had sent her running for the ladies room holding her nose. Thankfully Miss Everheart had been away that morning as her ten minute long sneezing fit could be heard even through the closed door. 

 

“Are you here to help tidy up the library?” Emily asked.

 

Anna nodded then remembered her manners. “Yes ma’am.” she said “Since the new rule about sneezing, I figured......I believed it would be acceptable.”

 

“Well Anna, if you wish you may help me with the next row.” Emily said “Just take it slow, you will be of little help if you are sneezing continuously.”

 

“Yes ma’am.” Anna said as the two maids walked around the end of the book shelf and began dusting the next row of books. Emily occasionally glanced at Anna as they worked to see how she was doing and so far things were going well. Anna seemed to be breathing through her mouth as subtly as she could and was keeping her nose as far from the dust as possible. Still Emily noticed Anna wiggle her nose every so often and once even inhale sharply.

 

“If you need to sneeze just sneeze.” Emily said “The Lady said it was permissible.”

 

Anna sniffed then replied “I am o-okay.” she said then added “I mean.....I shall be alright.”

 

Emily was not sure she believed the other woman and a moment later Anna’s nose was back to wiggling, obviously trying to reduce a tickle. Emily was rather surprised Anna had lasted so long. She herself felt like she might sneeze a few more times before they were finished. Still, it was much more comfortable then holding them in as she always had.

 

After another hitch Emily was about to insist that Anna let herself sneeze when the door to the library opened loudly and Emily heard the voice of Miss Everheart.

 

“The Lady!” Anna whispered as her face took on a frantic look of desperation. As luck would have it Anna’s nose had at that moment decided it was going to sneeze no matter what the rest of her thought about it. Out of habit Anna was trying to hold back but her eyes kept fluttering shut and she was looking more sneezy by the second.

 

“Anna dear.” Emily said now only whispering because they were in the library “Let yourself go. The Lady assured me that sneezing is perfectly permissible unless there are.......guests.”

 

Time seems to slow as and as Anna’s eyes rolled shut and her let herself go Emily realized she had missed something important. Why would the Lady be talking as she entered the library if she did not have a guest with her.

 

Her eyes growing wide Emily did the only thing she could think of, she placed a finger tightly under Anna’s nose and held it there hoping to stop the sneeze.

 

Anna’s eyes popped open.

 

“Wha...wha....what are you eh heh you doing?” Anna asked quietly still on the very edge of a sneeze.

 

“The Lady is not alone.” Emily replied and Anna’s eyes widened.

 

They were four shelves deep in the library so Miss Everheart and her guest had not heard or seen them but if Anna sneezed she would shatter the quiet of the library in quite spectacular fashion and Emily hated to think what the Lady might say. But now there was another problem. Holding someone’s nose so they did not sneeze was far from proper and Miss Everheart would likely not be pleased if they were discovered by her guest in this odd predicament, but if she moved then Anna would launch into a fit of sneezes. 

 

Both women froze hoping that the Lady would leave quickly. Anna was whispering to herself frantically.

 

“Don’t sneeze. Don’t sneeze. Don’t sn-sneeze. D-don’t hah sn-sneh heh eh!”

 

“Hold it in young lady!” Emily whispered forcefully. They needed to find a solution quickly or they would be caught for sure. Maybe they could sneak out. Emily motioned Anna to move and they slowly crept to the far edge of the row, Emily still keeping her finger pressed firmly against Anna’s nose. Reaching the edge Emily slowly peaking around and did not see the Lady or her guest although she could hear the Lady talking.

 

“Perhaps you will be able to find something suitable here.” Miss Everheart was saying “There are many times to choose from.”

 

“Perhaps.” another woman’s voice said “There are quite a few candidates in here.”

 

In the back of her mind Emily thought she knew the other voice but right now she was focused on sneaking out with Anna. They passed one row, the another. The voices where coming from the opposite side of the book shelves so as long as she kept peaking around each row before they moved they should be able to get out. As they moved Anna began to look more and more dazed as the urge to sneeze grew so strong it began to replace all other thoughts in her mind and Emily noticed this.

 

“Just a bit further.” she whispered “you can make it.”

 

It was true they were almost there, just now passing the last row but Emily was walking backwards as she had to keep her finger under Anna’s nose. That was why she wound up brushing against the tall drapes that hung covering the last window before the door. Having not been cleaned yet the showered both women in a fine mist of dust. Anna was safe as Emily was covering her nose but Emily’s nose was quite open. The moment she felt the tickle she knew they were caught. Anna, who had often had to hold her sneezes in was quite good at it, at least at first but Emily who rarely sneezed did not have the practice and already having a minor tickle, with the addition of more dust she never stood a chance.

 

“AASHOOOOOOOOO HACHOOOOOOOOOOO HASHOOOOOOOOOOW!!!”

 

Emily’s sneezes were beyond her control coming out loud and powerful. Worse yet her finger slipped away from Anna’s nose.

 

 

HEEEESHEEEEEOOOW EECHEEEEEEOW ESHEEEEEOO ESHEEEEEEHSHEEEEEEEEHHESHEEEEEEEESHEEEEEEEOW!!!!!

 

Anna sneezed and sneezed letting out the fit that she had held in longer then she thought possible. Her sneeze were more high pinched and girly then Emily’s but still just as loud. They also grew faster and faster until there seemed no pause at all between them. Both maids sneezed so hard they had to hold on to each other to not lose there balance. 

 

When the fits finally slowed both women opened there eyes to see Miss Everheart and her guest staring at them. The maids jumped and curtsied. Emily was about to apologize to Miss Everheart for the both of them but her words stopped as she recognized the Lady’s guest. It was the Lady Caroline. Why on earth was Miss Everheart suddenly spending so much time with this odd woman.

 

With Emily hesitating Anna blurted out “M-ma’am! S-sorry ma’am it was the d....d....dust HEEEESSHEEEEEW!!! Oh! I’m sorry again I just couldn’t h-help i-it.”

 

Emily grimmest as Anna’s words spilled out, loosing all properness due to her nervousness. She wa about to try to make up for it when Caroline spoke.

 

“It’s quite alright dear.” Caroline said “You simply could not resist the dust in this room. It is quite thick, I may need to sneeze myself soon. Here my dear, use this.”

 

Caroline handed Anna a handkerchief and the young maid gratefully accepted. Emily’s eyes grew wide and frantically trying to think of a reason to stop Anna from using it that would be acceptable. If Emily knew Lady Caroline, that handkerchief was covered in snuff. 

 

She was about to just grab for it when she saw Miss Everheart’s face and froze. Her Lady had the slightest hint of a smile and her face wore a look of anticipation. She......she knew what Caroline was doing and wanted Anna to sneeze?!. Emily did not know what to make of it.

 

As for poor Anna she used the handkerchief to touch her nose in a very ladylike way but then her regained poise was instantly lost as her face returned to its desperate pre-sneeze look.

 

“Oh my.” Lady Caroline said “It appears you have some more on the way. Don’t be shy dear, just let them out.”

 

Fighting to keep her fluttering eyes open Anna looked at Miss Everheart who gave the smallest nod, then Anna exploded in sneezes.

 

HEEEEEECHOOOOOOOOW

HEEEESHEEEEEOOOW EECHEEEEEEOW ESHEEEEEOO ESHEEEEEEHSHEEEEEEEEHHESHEEEEEEEESHEEEEEEEOW EH HEH HHEEEH HEEEEEEEEECHEEEEEEOOOOW!!!

 

 

Anna’s fit continued for what seemed like an eternity while Emily stood speechless and the two noble women seemed to just watch. When the sneezes finally finished Anna had a look of such pure release and relief on her face that Emily was sure she had forgotten where she was for just a moment. 

 

“That must have felt good my dear.” Lady Caroline said.

 

“Yeah.” Anna said still dazed then she jumped as Emily elbowed her. Wide eyed she remembered herself “I-I mean y-yes ma’am! I means no ma’am....I mean, I tried not hold them but they just overwhelmed my heh my eh neh n-nose HEEEEESHOOOOOW!”

 

“Bless you dear.” Lady Caroline said smiling warmly. Emily was sure she saw the slight hit of mischief in that smile as well.

 

“It’s is quite alright Anna.” Miss Everheart said finally speaking “As I ordered, sneezing is no longer frowned upon. However, perhaps next time you should asked the head maid if there are guests in the manner before dusting.”

 

“Yes ma’am.” both maids said followed by a hitch from Anna.

 

“Take a moment to gather yourself Anna. Emily, see to it that she rests until her sneezes are more under control, then she may return to work. Perhaps a bit of tea. Tell the cook I sent you.”

 

Both maids curtsied- HEEEESSHOOOOOOW a sudden sneeze almost made Anna fall over as she finished. The both women moved past and through the door.

 

“Be a dear and close the door after you.” Lady Caroline said as Emily did so, not showing her frustration at the woman. 

 

Anna continued to sneeze as they walk down the hall but Emily barely noticed. What on earth was happening? Three days now Miss Everheart had spent her time with this Lady Caroline and each time more odd sneezy occurrence had taken place. Why? Emily had even heard a sneeze from behind them as she closed the door and was pretty sure it had been Miss Everheart. 

 

As they reached the kitchen Emily came to a resolution. She had bee tasked with taking Miss Everheart her evening night cap and decided she would ask her. The Lady had occasionally spoken with her during these pre bed visits and Emily intended to get to the bottom of what ever was happening. She just had to find out what was going on and what this new fascination was all about. After all, there had to be more to it then just the sneezes themselves. Sneezing was nothing special.......was it?

Edited December 13, 2019 by Light

[Chiller, a sneezy skeleton]

PLEASE ADD MORE

[Light]

Chapter 4 - An enlightening evening. 

 

 

Emily smoothed her dress and checked herself over in the hall mirror before turning out the lantern for the night. It was about 11pm, the time Miss Everheart turned in, which meant the time the rest of the household did as well. The last task every night was for one of the maids to bring the Lady her nightly refreshment, usually a glass or two of sherry, and ask if there was anything else she needed before she retired for the night. Each night it would be a different maid per Miss Everheart’s request. Emily did not really know why but perhaps it was so the Lady could insure each maid was still maintaining a professional appearance even after the long day. As for Emily herself, Miss Everheart would occasionally talk with her, briefly mind you, about how the day had been and if there were any matters she should be aware of in the manner. Emily was not the head maid but Miss Everheart had seemed to enjoy getting the report from her just the same. 

 

It was not supposed to be Emily’s turn tonight, it was Anna’s in fact, but Emily had worked up the courage to ask the Lady about her odd behavior, and she wanted to do so before losing her nerve. Anna had not objected. She was still rather embarrassed by her sneezing fit in the library and had been sure she would just die if Miss Everheart brought it up.

 

Emily arranged the decanter of sherry on the serving tray and off set it with two glasses. Another request by Miss Everheart yet the Lady had never offered a drink to any maid she knew of and only needed one glass for herself of course. Still, if it was what the Lady desired, it was what she would provide.

 

Taking a deep breath and still wondering just how she would bring her topic up without being too obvious, Emily gave two small knocks on the Lady’s bedroom door.

 

“Come in.” Emily heard Miss Everheart say and she opened the door into the master bedroom. 

 

The room was quite large with its own fireplace as well as a writing desk, three dressers, a mirrored desk with an arrangement of brushes combs and makeup, and a large wardrobe. In the center of the room stool a large ornate bed with four large posts and a multitude of quilts and blankets. By the window sat two cushioned chairs with a small table between them holding a few books. Miss Everheart sat in one chair reading a book by the light of the room’s many lanterns. The light was dim but Emily could still see that the Lady’s face was flush, her cheeks a delicate rosy color almost as though she was blushing. 

 

“Are you well this evening ma’am?” Emily asked as she always did. “I have brought the wester sherry tonight, I thought it might be a good choice after dinner’s selection.”

 

“Thank you Emily.” Miss Everheart said “Not Anna tonight? It is her turn after all, is she not well?”

 

Emily did not want to lie but she also did not want to say why she had switched instead, so she decided that being truthful yet leaving a small bit out was best.

 

“She has been suffering from her allergies rather horribly today ma’am.” Emily said “Sneezing quite often. I believe she is still growing a custom to the recent lifting of the sneezing restriction.”

 

It was true and she hoped the Lady inferred the rest. Everheart looked at her oddly however, almost with the slight hint of disappointment then the look was gone and she answered “Well, i suppose that it would be for the best if she take an early night then.”

 

“Yes ma’am.” Emily said placing the tray on the small table and pouring  a glass for the Lady. 

 

“Thank you Emily.” Miss Everheart said after Emily handed her the glass. There was a moment of silence as the Lady took a sip of the sherry and closed her eyes as she savored the flavor.

 

“Excellent choice.” she said.

 

“Thank you ma’am.” Emily replied and waited for more conversation in hopes of finding a natural transition into her question, but none came.

 

Miss Everheart simply turned and watched the small fire in the fireplace, sipping her sherry occasionally. Normally Emily would have excused herself but she just couldn’t. She wanted to know why the Lady was acting so oddly and if it was from something this Lady Caroline had done. Yes, Emily worked for Miss Everheart, but she had also grown to appreciate and respect her and these new changes were beginning to worry her.

 

“Emily?” Miss Everheart said making Emily jump slightly as she returned from her thoughts “Is there something on your mind? You have never been the kind to linger.”

 

“I-it’s nothing ma’am.” Emily said then grimiest at her slight stutter. She never missed a step while speaking to the Lady and doing so now only confirmed that something was wrong.

 

Miss Everheart noticed of course.

 

“Come now girl, ask your question.” the Lady said and Emily’s heart sank. She had no choice now and no way to ease into it.

 

Taking a deep breath she spoke. “Ma’am.......is there anything the matter? Please forgive my saying so but you have been acting very differently as of late and.......” Emily blushed despite herself “I grew concerned.”

 

“To my eyes I am no different then I have always been.” Miss Everheart said “How do I appear different to you?”

 

“Your time spent with the Lady Caroline ma’am.” Emily went on nervously “It seems she has caused you to develop a fascination with-”

 

Miss Everheart’s raised eyebrow stopped Emily cold. She had overstepped her place and she knew it.

 

Miss Everheart took another sip looking at Emily over the glass as she did. “It is not your place to question your Lady’s tastes or perceived......fascinations as you see them.”

 

“O-of course not ma’am. I-“ Emily started then was stopped by a slightly upraised hand.

 

“However,” the Lady went on “You have been an excellent worker here for quite a while and have been, I dare say, the best among your peers. Therefore I will overlook your misstep, and even allow you to ask you questions.....yet there will be conditions.”

 

“Yes ma’am.” Emily said nodding.

 

“First, you are to share the nature of our conversation tonight with no one.” the Lady said “Second, simply and only for tonight you may address me as an equal. If we are to have this conversation, I’ll not have you hiding your true words or thoughts behind the need to be formal and proper with your Lady. Sit. You may have a drink if you like. It is quite good, I highly recommend you try some.”

 

Miss Everheart picked up the decanter and went to pour a drink for Emily.

 

“M-ma’am. Allow me to do that for you.” Emily said out of instinct.

 

“As I said, not tonight.” Miss Everheart said “And you may call me by my first name, in fact I insist you do.”

 

For a moment Emily was frozen with indecision between her years of propriety and the Lady’s direction. Finally she slowly sat in the other chair.

 

“Yes ma’a-.......Sara.” Emily said slowly reaching for the crystal glass.

 

“I will not order you to drink Emily” Sara Everheart said “It is your choice, but I would recommend it, you did choose a very fine sherry.”

 

“Thank you.....Sara.” Emily said still adjusting “I very much like sherry actually.” Emily sipped from the glass then was unable to keep from smiling widely. She had never tasted sherry this expensive or this good before. She sipped a second time before she could help herself.

 

“Now then” Sara said taking another sip of her own “We can get to this.....fascination as you perceive it in a moment but first, what do you think of Lady Caroline?”

 

Emily paused, not sure what to say and decided take another drink again before answering. “She is....unique. She seems to have a very eccentric passion for something most would see as unusual.”

 

“And you worry she may have passed that passion on to me.” Sara said pouring a second glass for herself and for Emily.

 

Emily was startled to notice her glass was empty. She should slow down, sherry could be strong and she did not want it to go to her head while she spoke with Miss Everheart. Still she just had to take another sip once her glass was full, it was just too delicious not to.

 

“Sara, I have worked for you for a few years now and I have grown to respect you greatly.” Emily said “You are in high standing with the Lords and Ladies of this area of the country and.......fascinations of this sort can start rumors. I would not wish to see you become the topic of some gossip circle.”

 

“You do realize that I already am?” Sara said “All Lords and Ladies are. There are so many false rumors about me already and I still keep my standing, with little effort I might add. One more will be of no harm.”

 

“But is it true?” Emily said as Sara filled there cups again “Have you became fascinated with sneezing like Caroline is?”

 

Emily blinked realizing that she had actually just blurted it out. Sipping her glass she also noticed it was full again. She could feel the warm fuzziness of the alcohol as it had indeed gone to her head as she feared. Looking at Sara she opened her mouth to apologize but saw that the Lady was smiling, her cheeks quite rosy. They were both feeling the effects of the sherry now if Emily guessed right.

 

“Before I answer you.” Sara said “I want to ask you something. Have you ever stopped and really let yourself feel when you sneeze. The slow or sometimes fast and intense building in your nose. The devilishly teasing tickle that will inevitably take control of your body. Building and building until a final release that while may be reduced can never be completely controlled. Have you ever let yourself feel it, enjoy it?”

 

“I-I have not ma’am-Sara” Emily said blushing. Somehow hearing Miss Everheart speak of sneezing that way made it sound very alluring indeed.

 

“I think you should try before you choose to judge me about it.” Sara said still smiling to show she did not hold anything against Emily. “Would you like to try? To really let yourself feel one?”

 

Emily blushed harder but slowly nodded with a quiet “Yes. But I don’t feel like sneezing.” she said.

 

“I believe I can help with that.” Sara said standing.

 

Emily’s mouth opened to tell her that it was not necessary. That she did not need to experience such a sneeze. That she should really be going as it was getting late. She knew she should say all these things.....but she did not want to. Maybe it was the sherry, maybe it had relaxed her enough to realize that the real reason she had wanted to ask Miss Everheart about this, was that she herself was curious. Emily closed her mouth and sat nervously waiting to see what her Lady planned to do to help her sneeze.

 

Miss Everheart walked over to her writing desk first and picked up one of the quill pens. With a snap she broke off the writing tip and was left with a large feather. Emily watched her wide eyed.

 

“This one was getting old anyway, and I have plenty more.” Sara said as she crossed the room to her mirrored makeup table. After a moments consideration she lifted the lid to her face powder and twirled the edge of the feather in the fine white dust.

 

Emily shifted nervously. She had used face powder herself occasionally but she always had been careful to hold her breath as to prevent what Miss Everheart was about to attempt.

 

Emily gulped the last of her sherry and tried to steady her breathing. It was just a sneeze, there was no reason to get so worked up about it, yet she was. Part of her still could not believe what was happening. Miss Everheart had always been so prim and proper, yet she was about to tease Emily’s nose into sneezing, not a proper thing for a Lady to do by far.

 

Miss Everheart walked back over to where Emily sat and raised the now white tipped feather. Emily shied away, not that she wanted Sara to stop but that this was Miss Everheart, her Lady.

 

“Do you want me to stop?” Miss Everheart said only intending to go on if Emily wanted her to.

 

“I-it’s not proper.” Emily said.

 

“Do you want me to stop?”

 

“You are my Lady, we shouldn’t.”

 

“Do you want me to stop?”

 

“No.” Emily breathed finally giving in to her curiosity and desire. 

 

“Lean your head back just a little and relax. Let your nose do whatever it wants to.” Sara said.

 

Emily complied and gasped as the feather touched and a strong tickle filled her nose. 

 

 

“M-Miss Eh Eh Ever HEH HEH Heart” Emily hitched.

 

“Call me Sara.” Sara said.

 

“HACHOOOOOOOMFFFFFF!!!!!!”

 

Emily turned and sneezed hard into her sleeve out of habit.

 

Miss Everheart frowned but then smiled sympathetically.

 

“I know it’s in your nature to be as polite as possible.” she said as she began to brush Emily’s nose again “But this is a special case. Please, let yourself sneeze freely. Just let it go.”

 

“Th-the sheh-sherry” Emily managed to say as her eyes fluttered and her eyebrows arched.

 

Understanding that Emily did not want to sneeze on the glasses and decanter, Miss Everheart simply turned Emily’s chair so she was no longer facing the table and went right back to tickling, this time going slower so the maid could feel the build up.

 

Emily gasped as the tickle renewed. She knew she had seconds before she sneezed again but no longer fearing sneezing on the sherry Emily tried to do a Miss Everheart had asked and really let herself feel. 

 

HEH....EH......HAH.....AH

 

Her breaths grew sharper and random as her nose continued to prepare for the coming release. Her eyes fluttered shut and her face took on a very sneezy look. A tension was building inside her as first her nose but soon her entire being began to crave to the release of the sneeze.

 

Miss Everheart must had read her expression. “It is a wonderful build up when you really let yourself feel it.” she said.

 

All Emily could do was nod slightly. She had tried to look at Miss Everheart when she spoke but only managed to roll her eyes sneezily. 

 

“Emily, you may let it out.” Miss Everheart encouraged “Do not hold back, let yourself go.”

 

With a final gasp Emily did just that.

 

 

HAAH!! HAACHOOOOOOOOOO!!! ACHOOOOOOOOOOOO HASHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO ASHOOOOOOOOOOW HACHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO ASHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO AH HAH AHH HA HAH HACHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!!!!!!

 

 

 

Emily was left trying to catch her breath. It had been......an amazing experience. The build up. The release. She blushed at the thought of what the feeling had reminded her of, and at that moment she finally understood. That was why Caroline and now Sara enjoyed it so much. It was the second most intense and enjoyable build up and release that the body could experience.

 

Sneezing was, very enjoyable and most people never took the time to notice.

 

“That you m...Sara.” Emily said with a weak smile “I understand now I think.”

 

“I’m glad you do Emily.” Miss Everheart said again taking the other seat “So, now that you understand I will answer your question. Yes, I have become quite fascinated. Very much so. You do understand do you not? As a Lady I have always been as proper and in control as possible, so you may imagine how, alluring it can be to let myself indulge in something such as this. Something that I may let myself go with and just be natural and free.”

 

Emily nodded. “I...apologize for questioning you Sara.” she said “Thank you for sharing this with me and helping me understand.”

 

 

“You are quite welcome Emily.” Sara said then she extended a hand to Emily “It has become quite late. We should retire for the night.”

 

Emily accepted the help standing and it was a good thing too. She almost stumbled as the sherry was fully in her system but now.

 

“Will you require assistance back to your room Emily?” Miss Everheart said.

 

“That would not be proper, for you to help me down the hall that is.” Emily said “I will be okay in a moment.” 

 

She was and walked, with some concentration, steadily to the door.

 

“This will not become a nightly event you understand.” Miss Everheart said “But when it is your turn to bring me my nightly refreshment, we may choose to indulge for a while, if you wish.”

 

“I would like that ma’am.” Emily said and with a slow curtsy, slow to keep it steady, Emily saw herself out.

 

The rest of the household had already retired for the night, which was a good thing as Emily’s steps were not always the straightest on her way to her room.

 

Once inside she began to get ready for bed but as she did she was filled with temptation to.....explore what Miss Everhearthad shown her a little more. She looked at her small jar of face powder and grinned. 

 

 

 

 

 

The next morning Emily woke feeling a bit thirsty but over all not too bad. She dressed and went about her daily duties lost in thought concerning the previous night. She never realized Miss Everheart had a more, adventurous side to her. For that matter she was shocked at her own actions. True the sherry had made her more comfortable but she had been far from drunk and knew she would have eventually agreed to the same outcome, alcohol or no.

 

It was the second day of dusting and Emily choose to begin in one of the halls. As she began dusting one of the shelves and a familiar tickle rose in her nose. For the first time ever the thought of sneezing made her blush. She stopped and let the dust settle and was about to return to work when she was tempted to encourage the sneeze and try to enjoy it once more. Looking up and down the hall to make sure no one was there Emily turned the duster over and gently bushed her nose ever so slightly.

 

 

HAACHOOOOOOOOOW!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

The effect was instant and Emily let herself enjoy if completely. With a smile she went back to work realizing that now Miss Everheart was not the only person living at Everheart manner with a fascination for sneezing.

[poiub]

Wonderful stuff!

[ThePokeFan599]

This really is wonderful stuff. Too bad Anna didn't get the opportunity to allow her sneezes to be freed. Or maybe in the next part she will. Perhaps Caroline will have a little 1 on 1 with Anna. The possibilities to continue this story are endless

[Light]

I am glad you all are enjoy this story.

I may write more if I get inspiration. 

Until then, this is the art that gave me the idea in the first place.

In my mind this is what Emily looks like.

 

http://www.sneezefetishforum.org/topic/49010-french-maid-sneezing-from-dust-f-allergy/

All credit to the artist of course.

[mysterysneeze]

Thank you for combining the different parts in one story. The adventures of this household is fun to read! That picture you showed of the maid from that long ago was awesome to see again! I wonder how you imagine Sara/Miss everheart or Lady Caroline or Anna to look like. 

The conversation Sara had with Emily was not only sweet, but it was understandable. It is great reading how they are friends, not just having a servant and master relationship. 

The stories you write are energetic and fun. i loved your fantasy characters and those storylines, and this story is just as fun as those stories are.

[NoV]

As a massive fan of the sneezy maid scenario, I can honestly say this ticks so many of my boxes, especially the 'sneezing while hiding/sneezing in inappropriate situations' ones  A stately home full of uncontrollably sneezing maids is my ideal retirement scenario  

[Light]

It’s been a while but I finally had inspiration for another chapter.

I hope you all enjoy.

 

Chapter 5: 

Just a simple trip to the market.

 

 

 

Anna looked over the list she had been given by the cook once more and read it carefully, especially the last part which had been written in a different hand. She was so focused that when she looked up she had to stop short to not run into a horse that was patiently waiting as its wagon driver dropped off a fare. Anna knew it was her imagination but the horse seemed to look at her with a face that said “And why did you almost run into me?” 

 

Anna grimiest and quickly stuck her tongue out at the horse as she passed it then blushed and looked around to make sure no one had seen. She knew it was not proper or ladylike but that horse should not have looked at her sideways. 

 

Shaking her head Anna had to laugh at herself. Wow, she was more nervous then she thought if she was about to get into an argument with a horse. But it was not really her fault. She had never been selected to make a trip to the market before, normally it was a task given to Emily or one of the more experienced maids or servants. To make things even odder, Emily had given her a sealed letter and informed her it was the list of items she was to pick up but that she was not to open the letter until she had arrived at the market. Once she had done so she discovered two sets of hand writing. The majority was writing in the larger rough script of the head chef, a list of spices and cooking oils that apparently needed restocking. That was not odd at all, however the second part of the letter was. Written in a flowing elegant lady’s hand were instruction to make an extra stop at a particular spice shop and ask for something called......snuff. Once she had bought it she was to place it in her pocket rather then in with the rest of the spices and not to tell anyone at the manner she had it, instead giving it to Emily once the two were alone. 

 

Anna had read the last part three times in disbelief, which was why she had almost bumped into the horse. At first she guessed that the second writing had been Emily’s but it had been too elegant even for her. Then she remembered that she had seen Miss Everheart’s hand in the past and this matched it perfectly. 

 

A secret mission from the Lady herself. What on earth had Anna done to be selected for this? Whatever the reason however she was determined to accomplish the task. She still was rather new at the manner and she quite liked her job and she had no intentions of being let go due to messing this up.

 

Another block and Anna turned right entering the market district. It was lined by a waist high rope and a large number of horse hitches. Horses of course were not allowed in the marked area as they might try to eat some of the fruit or vegetables off one of the stands and there would be many stands to choose from. All manner or produce was for sale from local farmers wives who brought there wears to the market each morning while there husbands worked the fields. The buildings lining the street were dedicated to the more fixed establishments such as the butcher and were Anna was heading, the spice shop.

 

 

As she stepped up to the shop entrance-

 

“Heh HEEEKRCHAAAAH!!!

 

-she jumped as a woman seemed to sneeze her way out of the door. She had managed to sneeze more or less into her handkerchief and as she straightened her eyes met Anna’s she blushed. 

 

“Sorry” the woman said “th-the spices in there are a bit st-strong Heh HEEEKRCHAAAAH!!!”

 

“Bless you” Anna said. To her surprise the words came out polite and calm despite the fact that she had suddenly became very nervous.   Her nose! She had somehow not thought of it till just that moment but Anna had a very sensitive nose and could be sent into fits of sneezing at the slightest provocation. How on earth was she not going to draw attention to herself in a spice shop?

 

Anna looked at the top portion or the list again before stepping inside. She was not stalling in accomplishing the Lady’s request, of course not, she just wanted to get the items in order so she did not miss anything. That was it. 

 

Taking a deep breath and doing her best to breathe through her mouth in a way that was not obvious she opened the door and stepped inside.

 

 

The interior of the shop looked similar to any general store yet every shelf, table top, and counter was completely fulled with jars of ever size. A full rainbows worth of colored powders and dried herbs were open for display while along the windows every things from fresh basal to mint grew in small pots. 

 

Even breathing through her mouth Anna’s eyes widened from the almost overwhelming blend of aromas filling the store. As she wondered how the owner could stand working here she felt her nose twitch with the slightest tempting tickle and she wiggled it to try to make it go away. If she started sneezing in here she would never stop. Reading the list again she made her way to the counter, hoping with all her might that the costumer being helped did not take too long.

 

Not wanting to look at the spices, the tickle seemed to grow when she did, Anna was left with nothing to do but study the woman standing in front of her. It was the woman’s clothing that caught her eye. Quite elaborate it seemed far to expensive for someone doing her own shopping. A noblewoman? Odd.

 

The shop clerk returned with a few small pouches and a clip or two of fresh herbs which were placed in a small bag and handed to the woman.

 

“Thank you dear.” the noblewoman woman said turning and as her eyes met Anna’s recognition filled both there faces.

 

“L-lady Caroline” Anna said with a curtsy. “I hope today finds you well.”

 

She was again shocked she had managed to keep her voice mostly calm and produce the proper greeting. Even so she knew she was in trouble. The Lady Caroline was a friend of her own mistress, Lady Everheart. If she did not remain formal and proper in Caroline’s presence it would very likely get back to Everheart. Had they met anyplace else this would have been challenging but doable thanks to Emily’s coaching. Here however, in this spice shop, she was instantly trapped. She could not go around mouth breathing like a commoner yet if she breathed through her nose.......

 

“Today finds me well” Miss Caroline said with a smile as Anna straightened from the curtsy “May it find you well also.”

 

Anna did her best to return the smile while resisting the urge to rub her nose. No sooner had she taken a breath then a devilish tickle bloomed and she her nose twitched just slightly in an effort to resist. She had to get out of the shop and away from Lady Caroline so she could sneeze but if Caroline wanted to talk. But why would a lady want to talk her? She had likely just replied the greeting out of politeness.

 

“Please send my well wishes to your Lady.” Caroline said.

 

“Ah-of course ma’am.” Anna said. She suppressed an urge to jump from the hitch that had snuck out with her words. Maybe Caroline would not notice.

 

She noticed.

 

“Oh my,” Lady Caroline said sounding concerned “Are you well my dear? If you are under the weather you should not be out and about running errands.”

 

“Ih-it’s I heh I mean it is oh okay ma’am” Anna said trying to speak properly. “It j-just the spice are s-strong.”

 

Lady Caroline gave Anna a reassuring and understanding smile.

 

“Dear girl, you need to sneeze.” she said “Well, out with it then. No sense in trying to hold back what you obviously cannot.”

 

“Buh but I can’t i heh eh it’s wouldn’t beh be polite.” Anna managed not noticing that she had fallen back to her naturally less then proper way of speaking. Not that she could help it really. Every second seemed to require more and more concentration to hold the sneeze in. 

 

A moment more and Anna’s face turned desperately sneezy and against her wishes her eyes fluttered closed as her head tilted back. Holding back with all her might Anna tried to open her eyes so she could find the exit. She would  sneeze and had to do so outside. But it was too late. Seemingly frozen she knew could not move without letting go.

 

Suddenly a voice whispered in her ear.

 

“It is okay dear.” it said soothingly “There is no one else to see and I promise I will not take offense. Sneeze dear, just sneeze.”

 

 

“HEEEEEESHOOOOOOOOO!!!”

 

Anna bent over completely as watch felt like the strongest sneeze of her life flew out of her. And she wasn’t finished.

 

“HEEEEEESHOOOOOOOOO HEEECHOOOOOOOOO HEEEEEEETCHOOOOOOOOOOOOW!”

 

Anna almost moaned in relief once the sneezes were out. She knew more were on the way but for a moment at least she could open her eyes and remember where she was. As she did she turned bright red seeing Lady Caroline smiling at her.

 

“Oh no! I’m so sorry! I-I mean. My apologies ma’am!” Anna said frantically.

 

“Calm yourself dear” Caroline said “I said I’m am not offended and I meant it. You have a lovely and powerful sneeze. You should not be tortured by having to hold it back for so long.”

 

For a moment Anna had no idea what to say then she clicked her mouth shut having just noticed it was hanging open. Lady Caroline was....encouraging her to be unlady like? No, that couldn’t be the case. Ladies were proper and polite. Anna had never seen anything different from Lady Everheart and she had gone through great lengths to model her own behavior in the same way. Still Lady Caroline’s smile was one of comfort, understand, and acceptance not at all of offense, and Anna’s nose did tickle so. She knew she would have another sneeze or three if she remained in the shop. 

 

“Th-thank you ma’am.” Anna finally said almost sneezing again. She needed to hurry and finish her assignment.

 

“If I m-may” Anna tried to go on “I re-really need to-heh to finish p- purchasing .........HEEEEEESHOOOOOOOOO!!!

 

Unable not to Anna sneezed again even harder then before and had to take a step not to fall over from the force. Shaking her head as she recovered Anna abruptly realized her hands were empty. Looking up she just barely held in a curse as she saw Lady Caroline bend to pick up the list that had fluttered from Anna’s hand.

 

“Maybe I am be of some help with your errands” Caroline said looking at the list. “So you may depart this sneeze inducing shop a little sooner.”

 

“Th-that’s quite alright ma’am” Anna said starting to reach for the note “There no need to-HAAAAAASHOOOOOOOOOW!”

 

“Dear girl” Lady Caroline said beginning to read with a smile “You obviously have no tolerance for the spices in this shop so please allow me to.........”

 

As Lady Caroline’s voice trailed off Anna’s heart sank. She would be let go for sure now. Letting Lady Caroline discover her secret assignment from Lady Everheart was a complete disaster. Frantically she tried to think of a way to play it off, made she could convince Lady Caroline that the last item was some exotic spice that was very expensive and thus needed the special treatment. In truth it could be for all Anna new but somehow she doubted it, what with all the secrecy.

 

“Hmm.” Lady Caroline said with was almost seemed a concealed smile “I believe you will need some assistance with these items, especially this last one here.”

 

Looking up she must have read Anna’s face because she went on with, “I understand your concerns dear girl but rest assured, you have nothing to fear from my knowing.”

 

With that she turned to the shopkeep who was just returning from the back room and was now eyeing Anna warily. Anna blushed. She knew the shopkeeper was likely heard and was displeased with her sneezing. She wiggled her nose and tried to make the tickled ease a little. It seemed to only laugh and her and she silently hitched as another sneeze almost slipped out.

 

The shopkeeper glared at her but then quickly focused on Caroline as the Lady began to speak.

 

“Show is your highest quality,” Lady Caroline said and listed off every spice on the list, except for the last one of course. 

 

“Yes ma’am” the shopkeep said giving Anna one last quick glance before setting to work gathering the spices. Somehow Anna managed to not sneeze but this was mainly do to her once again breathing through her mouth and neither of the others was looking at her. Soon a collection of small jars were arranged on the counter and Anna smiled in relief that she would soon be able to leave the shop. At which time she would have to find a private place and let herself sneeze as much as she needed to. If not she would be sneezing periodically all day making remaining proper and polite rather difficult.

 

“Will that be all ma’am?” The shopkeep said.

 

“Show me this one” Caroline said pointing to a large jar of a fine orange powder. 

 

The shopkeep took down the jar and opened to for Lady Caroline to sniff the contents. 

 

“Oh, that is a wonderful spice.” Lady Caroline said smiling “I’m sure it would be wonderful in the right dish. Anna, you really must smell this.”

 

The eyes of both Anna and the shopkeep widened. 

 

“Th-that’s okay, uh I mean, there is no need ma’am.” Anna stammered “I already have all that is needed.”

 

“I insist” Caroline said “Don’t be shy girl.”

 

Looking as panicked as the shopkeep, who obviously did not want to upset a Lady costumer yet was clearly fearfully what would happen, Anna stepped forward and took the smallest sniff, hoping her nose would not find the power teasing-

 

“AAAAAAAASHOOOOOOOOOOOW!!”

 

Instantly Anna sneezed and a poof a orange power puffed into the air. 

 

“Oh I’m sah so sorry-EEESHHOOOOOOOOO HEEEEECHOOOOOOOOO!!” Anna tried to say as she turned away. She was trying to control and stifle her sneezing so it was at least ladylike but she was powerless against such a strong tickle. 

 

Mouth gaping open the shopkeeper stood horrified. No doubt at the prospect of having to throw out an entire jar of spice. 

 

“My goodness.” Lady Caroline said “Quite potent. Please seal the jar and add it to our order.”

 

“Y-yes ma’am” the shopkeep said “Thank you ma’am.”

 

Anna, having sneezed three more times finally managed to straiten and focus her eyes.

 

“Oh no ma’am” Anna said as Caroline produced money from her handbag “Let me pay for thaAAAAASHOOOOOOOOO HAAATCHOOOOOOOOOO AASHOOOOOOOOOOOOW!!!”

 

 

A second small fit bent Anna over and she sneezed harder still. Whatever that spice had been it had really done a number on her. She understood that the shopkeeper had likely built up a resistance to all the spices but Anna had no idea how Lady Caroline was not sneezing too. The cloud of spice had mostly settled but there was still enough in the air to tickle Anna’s nose like mad.

 

“HEEESHOOOOOOO HATCHOOOOOOO ACHOOOOOOOO HAH HASHOOOOOOOW!!”

 

As the sneezing continues Anna began to realize this was likely the start of a fit, one that could have her sneezing for quite a long time if she did not get out of the shop. The problem was she still needed to pay for the spices and make her way out but the sneezes were so strong it took most of her concentration to keep from falling over.

 

“Oh you poor dear.” Anna heard Caroline say. She could not really see her as she could only open her eyes for a second between sneezes. “That was worse on you then I thought. Here.”

 

Suddenly Anna felt a hand on her shoulder and next thing she knew she was being helped to walk, likely towards the door. She wanted to apologize, to say that there was no need for Lady Caroline to trouble herself but all Anna could do was sneeze and sneeze and sneeze until sneezing was all she could pay attention too. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“HAAAAAACHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!!!!” 

 

Letting out the loudest and strongest yet Anna staggered and opened her eyes as the sneezes finally seemed to end.

 

Wobbling on weak knees Anna forced herself to look around. She was in an ally between shops, far enough back from the noise of the  street that she was pretty sure she had not been heard. 

 

“HEEECKRCHEEEEEWOOO!!”

Who was that?

 

Feeling sudden moment next to her allowed Anna to noticed that she was being supported by the arm and that she was leaning on whoever was holding her. She turned to see Lady Caroline straiten with a gentle ladylike sniff. 

 

“Good heavens. That spice really was strong.” Caroline said with a faint smile.

 

“Oh I’m so sorry.” Anna said turning bright red as she pulled away. “I shouldn’t have troubled you. Please forgive me.”

 

“No need for apologies girl.” Lady Caroline said with a reassuring smile “If anyone need apologize it is I. I should not have exposed a nose as sensitive as yours to such a strong substance.”

 

Again Anna was at a loss for words. She had never been apologized to by a Lady before. 

 

“Theh Thank you ma’am.” Anna finally said her nose tickling with what was hopefully the last of the spice.

 

“Just let it out.” Lady Caroline said and letting herself go Anna did just that.

 

“HAAAACHOOOOOOOOOW!!!”

 

It really did feel good to just let go and sneeze as hard as she needed to. It seemed to do the trick as the tickle faded completely, well almost completely.

 

“If I may ask ma’am.” Anna said adjusting her clothing “How were you able to keep from sneezing more than once? Is it something I could learn perhaps? I would make some of my tasks much easier.”

 

“Let just say......experience.” Lady Caroline said and it was clear she intended to say not more.

 

“How much do I owe you for the spices?” Anna asked.

 

“Nothing.” Caroline said “Consider it part of my apology. No arguments girl, it’s done. You may take the money giving to you by your mistress as a gift if you like. Now, I believe you have one last item to purchase. I believe I know a shop that carries just what your looking for.”

 

With that Lady Caroline started back towards the street leaving Anna no choice but to follow. 

 

Walking from one end of the market to the other then entered an exotic looking shop that sold multiple kinds of whisky and tobacco along with hand carved pipes and an array of crystal decanters with matching glasses. Anna looked around worriedly. The note had said to go to a spice shop to get the.....the last item but this did not seem like the right place.

 

“Trust me.” Lady Caroline said reading Anna’s expression “You will not find higher quality for what you have been sent to purchase then here.”

 

A small woman with olive skin emerged from the back of the shop and greeted Lady Caroline with a smile. “Miss Caroline.” she said “It is good to see you. What brings you back so soon?”

 

“Helping a friend enjoy new experiences.” Lady Caroline said “This is Anna, my friend’s servant please see to it she is given the highest quality.”

 

The shopkeep gave a small bow and walked back the way she had came.

 

“M-ma’am.” Anna said “You really needn’t trouble yourself.”

 

“Nonsense.” Lady Caroline said “I do consider Lady Everheart a friend and I know she sent you on this errand. Do not worry, I will not let on that I know or that I helped you.”

 

The woman returned with a tiny decorated box with a hinged and latched cover. It fit in the palm of her hand but she still carried it with two. She was obviously very proud of whatever was inside.

 

Anna could not help but let her puzzlement show in her face. What kind of spice was sold at a tobacco shop? Could it really be as rare and special as everyone seemed to make it? Somehow it must be otherwise why would Lady Everheart wanted such privacy? Why would Lady Caroline have such a knowing smile?

 

Carefully the shopkeep placed the box down and opened the latched cover. Lady Caroline leaved forward to look and smiled.

 

“London?” she asked.

 

“Paris.” the Lady said and Caroline’s smiled widened.

 

“My friend is quite lucky.” Caroline said with a touch of envy “I’m tempted to purchase some for myself.” She sighed “Best not to over indulge.” Turning to Anna “Pay and deliver this to your mistresses young lady. I’m quite sure she will be very grateful.”

 

Anna resisted the urge to raise an eyebrow. Indulge? What kind of spice was this? She had not gotten the best of looks but it had looked like nothing more then a fine brown powder. 

 

Closing the small case the shopkeep wrapped it in a cloth then after trying it with a length of string placing it on the counter for Anna.

 

After paying Anna placed the small package in her pocket as she had been instructed.

 

“Once again I offer my most heartfelt thanks ma’am.” Anna said with a curtsy. 

 

“My pleasure.” Lady Caroline said “May you have a pleasant day.”

 

Anna curtsied again for good measure and hurried out of the shop. What a day this had turned into. Leaving the marketplace she checked her bag of spice jars to make sure she had everything on the list. Then she felt in her pocket for the small box, just to make sure it was there before beginning her walk back to the manner. It was late spring and perfect weather for a walk which was why she had chosen to do so. It was only about a thirty minute journey over quite beautiful countryside.

 

As she walked Anna did her best to focus on the beautiful weather and bright flowers growing along the road but her mind continued to drift back to the secret in her pocket. What on earth was snuff anyway and why had everyone acted like it was something amazing and almost forbidden. She knew it was not her business. She knew she should just forget about it but the more she tried the more curious she became. 

 

By the time she had entered the woodland near the manner she couldn’t take it a second longer. Looking up and down the road to make sure no one saw she ducked into the forest and made her way deep enough that a passerby would not see her. Moving behind a large tree she placed down the bag of spices and carefully took out the special package. She studied it for a moment so memorize how the sting was tied then undid it to reveal the ornate box. Taking a deep breath she slowly opened it and peaked inside once again seeing an unassuming fine brown powder.

 

It did not look all the special to her but perhaps it tasked absolutely amazing. Anna was about to take the smallest pinch to try when a small gust of wind suddenly blew causing some of the powder to mix into the air. Anna snapped the box shut a latched it in one motion, fearing the wind might blow away more of the special spice and she would think later how lucky she had been that she had closed it so fast.

 

 

“AAAAAAAASHOOOOOOO HATCHOOOOOOO ACHOOOOOOOO HAH HASHOOOOOOOW 

HEEESHOOOOOOO HATCHOOOOOOO ACHOOOOOOOO HAH HASHOOOOOOOW!!”

 

Before she even knew what was happening Anna launched into a fit of the strongest more desperate sneezes of her life. Each tickle was powerful and teasing leading to an almost immediate sneeze that felt more reliving and amazing then they had ever before. 

 

 

“HEEESHOOOOOOO HATCHOOOOOOO ACHOOOOOOOO HAH HASHOOOOOOOW!!”

 

 

Barely noticing Anna slid to her hands and knees and the sneezes continued and seemed to completely control her body. Sneeze after sneeze exploded out of her as all thoughts of being polite a ladylike were replaced with and almost indescribable cycle of build up and release that she was completely powerless to control. 

 

Birds fluttered out of nearby trees and a feeding deer turned and ran deeper into the woods but Anna noticed none of these things, her whole world had become buildup and release and to her shock.......it was ecstasy.

 

 

Anna opened her eyes to find herself leaning back against the tree, panting to catch her breath. Wow....just wow. That had been like nothing she had ever expected. Sure she had had a sneezing fit before, quite a few actually, but this had been so intense, so.....enjoyable. She blushed as she realized were she was and how much she had let the sneezes take over. Weakly she sat up and slowly stood letting out a sigh of relief to find the small ornate box still sealed and laying in the grass near her. She did not even remember dropping it. Carefully she picked it up, wrapped it back in the cloth and placed it in her pocket. After taking a few moments to gather herself she picked up the bag of spices and  made her way back to the road. 

 

It finally all made sense. The secrecy of the note, Lady Caroline’s reactions, what she had meant by experience, and the rather odd behavior of her own Lady Everheart and her friend Emily. 

 

It was all about what she had just experienced......and she didn’t blame them one bit. 

 

Reaching in her other pocket she felt the money she had been allowed to keep thanks to Lady Caroline. She had wondered what to spend it on.....now she knew.

 

 

And here she had thought today would be just simple trip to the market.

 

[poiub]

She's back! Great stuff!

[M214186]

Fantastic 

[MzMental]

This is one of my favorite stories on here. Please keep it going!!!

[Light]

After far too long...

 

Chapter 6
 

The wardrobe debacle.

 

 

“She’s going to fire me, I mean, she is going to let me out of her service? Oh to hell with speaking proper, she is going to fire me!” Anna said in a frantic voice.

 

Emily winced at the less than ladylike use of profanity but she understood Anna’s fright and could excuse the slip, this time.

 

“I’m sure Lady Everheart will be understanding of the situation as.....Will you kindly place that down before you burn yourself!” Emily said, her voice turning frustrated, slightly. 

 

Anna had been raising a cup of tea to her lips that was rattling so much from her shaking hand that the spoon looked as though it were dancing a jig. With no more stability, Anna placed the china cup back on its saucer with a rattling clink.  

 

“Okay,” Emily said trying to compose her own irritation “Take a deep breath.”

 

Anna did so.

 

“Now, carefully, take a sip of tea.” Emily went on “It will help calm you.”

 

Anna did so, this time only making the spoon jump once or twice. She sighed as the tea’s warmth filled her. It seemed to be working.

 

“Now,” Emily said also having calmed down “Tell me what happened.”

 

“Well” Anna began rapidly “I was there and I saw them and they-“

 

“Slowly!” Emily said, a bit louder then was ladylike, but just a bit “Slowly and from the beginning. And take another sip first.”

 

Anna complied and after another deep breath she began........

 

 

 

It had been a normal Monday morning in the Everheart manner. Normal save the fact that Anna was running behind on her scheduled choirs. It was her own fault if she was honest. She had foolishly volunteered to take Susan’s responsibilities in addition to her own as the other maid was sick with a particularly sneezy head cold. Rumor was that Lady Everheart had been particularly saddened that poor Susan had needed to remain in bed that morning. ‘She really cares for us,’ Anna thought as she hurried down the hall, just a bit faster then was proper. Well no one was looking and if her shoes would not have made too much noise she likely would have run. She was on her way to Lady Everheart’s bedroom as it was her area of responsibility this morning. She was supposed to have began her choirs there actually but having assisted the chef that morning, one of Susan’s tasks, she was now late. She would have made close to on time actually if not for the fact that she had needed to change her skirt. In the kitchen she had spilled powdered sugar everywhere, purely by accident of course and caused the chef to use a couple of choice words with her before unceremoniously kicking her out. She had tried to tell the chef that she had a bit of sugar in her hair but the frustrated woman had simply shouted “Out!” and wide eyed Anna hurried to comply. Choosing to take the shorter route back to her room to change she had passed by the half open door to the dining room in time to hear the chef’s tremendous sneeze as she served the Lady’s morning meal. Anna had peaked in just long to see the chef’s horrified look of shock but as she turned to moved quickly to her room she did hear Lady Everheart reassuring the chef that it was perfectly fine and no real harm had been done.  Things really had changed in the manner, Anna thought later as she dressed. Not long ago the Lady would have been furious at a slip of that nature.

 

 

 

Anna reached the Lady’s bed room and after smoothing her skirt, knocked twice. No answer. Good the Lady was out and if Anna was fast enough maybe no one would know she was running so behind. 

 

She began with the curtains, arranging and dusting them. As expected her nose began to tickle the moment she began but with the new changes to the manner rules she no longer needed to worry.

 

“Hah Haaaashooooooow HAAAtchhoooooo AAAAASHHOOOOOOOOOW!!”

 

Turning Anna sneezed hard into her sleeve allowing herself to enjoy the release and relief of no longer needing to hold back. Dusting finished she moved on to making the Lady’s bed.

 

“HAAACHOOOOOOO!”

 

Turning her head over her shoulder she sneezed again as she fluffed the pillows. The dusting she had completed would likely have her sneezing for the next hour but she honestly no longer minded as it was now acceptable. In fact she had found she was beginning to almost grow fond of sneezing. After her odd trip to the market the month prior she had developed a new appreciation for the act. Her sampling of the Lady’s secret powder had a lot to do with that. She had not quite saved enough to buy her own but she was close. The extra money from that day had gone to more practical uses but she still planned to buy some for herself with in the month. 

 

“Hah HAASHOOOOOOOOOW!”

 

Her upper body pitching forward and turning to the side, she sneezed again. She was sure to turn far enough so she did not spray the Lady’s bed but otherwise she sneezed freely as she still had sheets in both hands. She righted herself with a giggle. That one had felt especially good and had been forceful enough to make her breasts jiggle pleasantly under her top. She was of what she considered average endowment so she felt no concern about popping out but still she always had to giggle at how her ladies jumped when she sneezed hard enough. It was yet another thing she had noticed now that sneezing was no longer to be dreaded. She also had to giggle at how she had referred to her breast and “ladies” in her own thoughts rather then “boobies” as she always had in the past. Maybe Emily’s training in propriety was finally sinking in.

 

Finishing the bed Anna moved about the room collecting the Lady’s night clothes that had been placed here and there as she had gotten ready for the day. Even in that her Lady had been proper, always placing the clothing items over the back of chairs or party folded on the night table. Anna had never found them in a heap on the floor as she often left her own. Clothing gathered she found the laundry basket another maid had left just inside the door, filled with a fresh nightgown and undergarments. Plopping the used clothing in a heap next to the basket, Anna carefully picked up the neatly folded clean clothes and started for the large wardrobe.

 

“Hah Oh...Oh no!...Hah AAAASHOOOOOOO!!”

 

Anna just managed to make it to the bed and set the folded clothes down before the sneeze burst out of her. Thankfully she had prevented the clothing from falling of becoming wrinkled. She gave a testing sniff and found the tickle seemed to finally be satisfied for the moment. Picking up the clothing again, she walked over to the wardrobe, opened it, and stepped inside. The wardrobe was huge and apparently the latest style, so Anna had overheard. It was designed in such a way as to allow one to walk inside and have plenty of room to browse a large collection of clothing. Two long rows of beautiful expensive clothing were hung on either side with a shelf above each filling with a large selection of hats to match most outfits. There were draws built into the wardrobe as well where Anna placed the Lady’s undergarments then she hung the Lady’s nightgown near the rest. 

 

There done, she had managed it. She was almost an hour behind by her estimation but the rest of the choirs could be caught up on more discreetly. This had been the one she had been worried about the most. She had not wanted her Lady to know she had been so behind. 

 

*Thump!*

 

As she turned to go the wardrobe door suddenly swung shut. Anna jumped and nearly let out a unladylike scream at suddenly being in closed in darkness. What the hell had happened? Doors didn’t just shut on there own.......unless. Oh no! Carefully she felt her way to the wardrobe entrance and ever so slowly opened the door the smallest crack, and her heart sank. It was as she had feared. The wind had closed the wardrobe door and the only way that could happen was if the main bedroom door had opened. During a certain point in the cleaning day, and only when the weather was nice, the staff opened almost every window in the manner in a effort to freshen the air. This caused a rather pleasant breeze to flow through the manner but if a room was closed when the windows were opened it would have a rather noticeable affect if door was opened after the fact. 

 

All this however was at the back of Anna’s mind as she stared wide eyed out the cracked door. What had her full attention was who had opened the door. It was Lady Everheart! She was followed inside by her new friend Lady Caroline who walked passed her and sat on the Lady’s bed. Lady Everheart closed the bedroom door, which took a bit of extra effort due to the breeze and the door’s thickness but once it was closed Anna saw something she had never expected in a million years.

 

The Ladies burst into fits of laughter. Anna’s eyes grew even wider she she saw her Lady, always formal and proper, laugh so hard it brought tears to her eyes.

 

“Her...her face!” was all Lady Everheart could manage then Lady Caroline imitated the shocked expression of whom ever they were laughing about and both women began laughing all the harder. They laughed so hard in fact that Lady Everheart began to have trouble standing and needed to support herself against the door with one hand while using the other to hold her ribs. Lady Caroline had flopped sideways on the bed and was hugging her own ribs as well.

 

Anna stared, mouth hanging open. She had never seen the Lady act so.....human. 

 

“I...I felt so bad for the poor woman.” Lady Everheart managed to say as her laughter slowed “But her look of shock when she sneezed was....hilarious.”

 

“It must had been the powdered sugar.” Lady Caroline laughed “Whatever got it in her hair must have sent some up her nose.”

 

“I, I think it was because I was trying so hard not to let on that I had enjoyed the sneeze that I found her face so funny.” Everheart said, then she added “And you are simply evil! Imitating her face when only I could see while we walked the halls. I was about to burst.” 

 

“I almost wished you had” Lady Caroline said “If only to see more shocked faces.” 

 

The two began laugh again as Anna  continued to stare. “Enjoyed her sneeze?” Anna thought, what on earth had the Lady meant by that? Sneezing was enjoyable sure, but seeing another sneeze was nothing special, was it?

 

“See, I told you. It is good to laugh.” Lady Caroline said as she seemed to finally recover. 

 

“I must admit you are correct, as usual.” Everheart said “Bless you Trish. I am truly grateful of our friendship. You have helped me to find the joy in life again.”

 

“Oh, I’m all about enjoying life.” Trish said “I’m just glad I found you before you became a grumpy old maiden. I can see the tome stone now, ‘Lady Sara Everheart, feared by all who knew her’ “

 

“Very funny.” Lady Everheart said flatly but then she did laugh.

 

Trish? Must be short for Patricia. Lady Patricia Caroline. And Sara? That was her Lady’s first name? Anna had never heard it before. It had always been Lady Everheart to her. 

 

“Speaking of enjoying life.” Everheart said, her voice suddenly taking on a different tone “We seem to have found ourselves alone. Did you happen to bring it?”

 

‘Being what?’ Anna wondered. Her fear of being caught had almost completely be replaced by a powerful curiosity and she leaned forward slightly to get a better look.

 

To Anna’s shock, Trish reached down into the gap of her bosom and retrieved a small cloth sack. Everheart looked a bit aghast at Caroline’s choice of hiding place. 

 

“Oh come now.” Caroline said grinning “Name a safer place for a Lady to hide something. I dare say no one would ever think to search here.”  

 

“So that is it?” Everheart asked again with that odd tone to her voice “From Paris?”

 

“The finest snuff money can buy.” Caroline said her face seeming a bit too neutral “Zwhela Ah Lachoo.”

 

“Zwhela....Ah....La.....” Everheart began, then she noticed Caroline’s quivering mouth “wait a minute.”

 

Caroline burst out laughing again unable to maintain a strait face any longer. 

 

“You almost bought it.” she laughed 

 

Everheart seemed to admit it was kinda funny as she laughed as well.

 

“I’m sorry, Sara.” Caroline said drying a tear of laugher “My order has yet to arrive.”

 

“That is a shame.” Everheart said sounding disappointed “Well, I assume that is the normal then. I believe we can still enjoy ourselves with it.” 

 

She moved forward and sat next to Caroline on the bed but no sooner had she done so then her friend stood and walked towards the large mirrored dresser.

 

“You know,” Caroline said placing the small bag down “I have an idea of something new we could try, something that might....amplify the enjoyment.” 

 

“What precisely did you have in mind?” Everheart asked, the slightest bit of nervousness in her voice.

 

“Well, we have used flower to sneeze, and lord knows we have enjoyed our share of snuff together,” Caroline said looking over the items atop the dresser but not seeming to find what she was looking for, “But one thing we have never tried, or should I say, you have never tried. Letting someone else make you sneeze.”

 

“I..I have.” Everheart said nervously “One of my maids, I helped her sneeze, with a quill pen.” 

 

“Oh, that would work perfectly,” Caroline said smiling as she walked over to the writing desk “So which maid was it? There a two I would suspect the most but it’s okay, you need not share. Yet that was different, you made her sneeze. You were in control. But I’ll wager you have never let someone else tickle you into a sneeze. Never allowed yourself to be at the mercy of another.”

 

Everheart was blushing as Caroline returned with the feather side of a broken quill pen. “But I would also wager, you would enjoy it very much.” she said playfully brushing the feather under Everheart’s nose for just a moment.

 

“I Hah I......” Everheart said with a quick hitch and Anna almost thought her Lady would sneeze just from that little touch alone. Yet somehow Everheart managed not to give in, but her face filled with such a look of desire that Anna blushed. 

 

“How......how shall we go about this?” Everheart asked after a long moment. 

 

“Well, first I believe we should have you change into something more comfortable.” Caroline said looking down at the elegant dress her friend wore. Full of lace and ribbon Lady Everheart was dressed as she normally did for a day in the garden, the height of the latest fashion. Beautiful no doubt, but not the most relaxing attire. 

 

“I shall ring for one of the maids.” Everheart said about to rise but Caroline stopped her with a gentle hand on her shoulder.

 

“I would be more then happy to assist. Perhaps an evening dress,” Trish said turning towards the wardrobe “The kind you ware while reading before retiring for the night. I believe it will be much more comfortable.”

 

Lady Caroline took two full steps before Anna realized her jeopardy and pulled back from the wardrobe door. ‘Shit! She is going to find me! I’m going to get caught!’ she thought frantically as she searched for how she could hide. The second before Caroline opened the door, Anna ducked into the hung clothes pressing as close to the wall behind them as she could, then she froze.

 

Caroline opened one door and stepped inside looking from left to right in search of the evening dresses. 

 

“I’d ask you where to find them but I’m guessing you wouldn’t know.” Anna heard Caroline say. She was frighteningly close. Anna held her breath. 

 

“They are near the back, I think,” Anna head Everheart day from outside “I pick out my own clothing thank you, occasionally.”

 

“Really, I believe,” Caroline went on sliding dress after dress down the wrack still looking “a Lady such as yourself always has a maid set out your clothing for the evening and that-Oh!!”

 

Eyes wide as they could go Anna found herself staring at the Lady Caroline. The Lady recovered from the surprise amazingly quickly, her face breaking into a wide grin. “Well, aren’t you the naughty one.” she whispered. 

 

“Is everything well Trish?” Everheart called from outside the wardrobe.

 

“Yes,” Caroline answered loudly placing a finger to her smiling lips as she did so “I just saw an absolutely lovely dress and I simply must have my own.” Then much quieter to Anna “Where can I find the evening dresses honey?”

 

Too shocked to formulate words Anna pointed over Caroline’s shoulder to the back corner. With a nod of thanks Caroline walked to the opposite wrack and selected a dark blue evening dress. 

 

“Don’t worry sugar” Caroline said quietly as she passed Anna “I won’t utter a word. But you should probably avoid all those feathered hats. We wouldn’t want to sneeze now would we.”

 

With a wink Caroline left the wardrobe, leaving the door open a crack as it had been before. 

 

It was not until Anna heard Caroline say from outside “Here, allow me to help you change.” that she let out the breath she had been holding. What on earth was Lady Caroline up to? She was grateful for not being revealed but, why had she not been revealed?

 

Heart pounding Anna leaned against the wardrobe wall trying to decide what to do. The smart thing would be to say right where she was and listen until the Ladies left the room. It must be about late morning so Lady Everheart would have to leave for lunch or at latest afternoon tea. Once she did Anna could sneak away. Yes, that would be the smart thing to do, just wait quietly, sneak away, and never speak of any of this to another sole as long as she lived. She carefully sat down against the wall and tried to slow her pounding heart. Two or three minutes later she had nearly relaxed when....

 

“Oh...Hah....Hah!”

 

From outside the wardrobe Anna heard a desperate sounding voice gasp and then gasp a second time a bit higher pitched. It took only seconds for curiosity to overwhelm all the wise plans Anna had just made and she crept slowly towards the wardrobe door. Peaking out she had to hold back a gasp of her own.

 

Lady Everheart had changed into her evening dress, and was now reclined against a comfortable arrangement of pillows but that was not what had filled Anna with shock. Everheart’s pillow resting place was leaning against one of the large bed posts that held the canopy and her hands bound to that post with a bed sheet above her head. Looking closer Anna believed her Lady could easily untie herself if she really wanted to but she was far to distracted to think of that at the moment. Caroline was seated on the bed in front of her but very close and was gently brushing the feather back and forth under her Lady’s nose. Anna blushed as she saw the look of pure desire on Everheart’s face shifting to change into a look of desperate need. She was enjoying this, very much. 

 

Caroline was smiling almost evilly as she continued to tease her friend. 

“You’re enjoying this aren’t you.” she said stating the obvious.

 

“Yeh!! Hah!! Yes!” Everheart managed. “Oh gah...I Hah! I need tah! Need to Hah AH! Oh d-don’t t-tease to Hah! long. I need to Hah sn-sneeze! I oh I want to so bah! badly!”

 

“Soon enough,” Caroline said playfully “But I want you to ask me. Ask me to let you sneeze.”

 

Lady Caroline must have been very good at this sort of thing, Anna though because she seemed to have brought Lady Everheart to the very edge of release and was torturingly holding her there.

 

“Reh! Really Trih you woh wouldn’t reh requih heh requiEH! make me ah ask.” Everheart managed “Would yEH! HEH!!!.....”

 

Anna watched in fascination as Lady Caroline gave her feather the slightest twist and brought Everheart as close as one could come to sneezing but left her just shy. She really was good.

 

“Oh AH!! Alright HAH youh you win.” Everheart said desperately.

 

“All you need do is ask my dear.” Caroline said grinning.

 

“HAH Ohyou’reevil!” Everheart somehow got out but as Anna watched the last bits of defiance melted, replaced completely by need.

 

“Pah please mah mah AH!”

 

“Come on you can do it.”

 

“Mah make meh me sneh sneh! snEH sneeze!!”

 

Caroline’s grin became a smile and she twisted the feather just so.

 

“HAAAASHOOOOOOOOOOW!!!!”

 

Everheart’s sneeze was amazing. Powerful as the woman herself but also feminine and full of desperation from Caroline’s teasing.  Anna was amazed and, if she was honest, a little jealous. The sneeze had looked very enjoyable and satisfying and...... nearly sensual. Anna started and came frighteningly close to bumping the door open. Just how close to an sensual release had the sneeze actually been? From the look of afterglow on Lady Everheart’s face Anna guessed it had been pretty close. Suddenly feeling as though she were watching something far too private for her eyes Anna shifted and was about to move away from the door when something feathery brushed her nose and it instantly filled with an itchy tickle. As Anna raised her hands to rub her nose they brushed the falling hat she had bumped off its shelf when she shifted. The long feather top it must have been what brushed her nose but at that moment she could care less it it had been the hat or an angels wing. She was about to sneeze!!

 

“No oh nah! AH!” Anna hitched and rubbed her nose again but it did no good. The sneeze was coming and she was helpless to stop it. 

 

“HAAH!” Anna hitched rather loudly.

 

‘Damn, I really liked this job.’ was the last thing Anna thought before the inevitable finally happened but a fate would have it she was sparred termination by the very person who would have very likely fired her.

 

“Hah HAAAASHEEEEEEW!!!”

“AAAACHOOOOOOOOOW!!!”

 

Anna and Lady Everheart sneezed in perfect unison. Anna winced as she waited for the shouting that inevitably was to follow her sneeze but none came. Peaking back out she saw her Lady raise her head with a look of near bliss in her eyes. Lady Caroline glanced Anna’s way with a knowing smile but Everheart gave no indication she had heard Anna at all. Had.....had Lady Caroline timed Everheart’s sneeze? No it had to be coincidence, she couldn’t possibly be that good.....could she?

 

Lady Caroline’s skill or a miraculous happenstance Anna knew she was not out of the woods yet. Her nose had never been satisfied with just one and already her breath was beginning to hitch. Desperately she peaked out of the wardrobe hoping beyond hope that there was some way she could escape and jumped as she saw that Lady Caroline was staring directly at her. She must have heard her sneeze even if Lady Everheart had been to busy with her own to notice. Anna hitched in a breath and Caroline smiled with a mixed look of pity and amusement. Still laying back Lady Everheart was just recovering from her latest sneeze and had not opened her eyes yet. Still smiling Lady Caroline turned to her friend and began to tickle her nose once more. Everheart instantly responded, her back arching slightly as she gasped in a hitching breath, her just opened eyes rolling back shut. Anna watched stunned as Lady Caroline turned back to her and waived for her to come out of the wardrobe. It took Anna a moment to register what was happening, but it seemed that Lady Caroline was offering to help her escape unnoticed. Fear filled her but the tickle in her nose was steadily growing in strength and she doubted she would be saved by a second sneeze in unison. Trembling, Anna slowly opened the wardrobe door, thanking her lucky stars that it had not creaked, and began to tiptoe across the room, Lady Caroline watching her with an amused smile the entire way while still ticking Lady Everheart. 

 

‘What an odd Lady’ Anna thought to herself as she crept ‘Could she be enjoying this? Surely not, that would be nearly evil and- oh no!’

 

Getting lost in her thought for a moment Anna had lessened her hold on her pending sneeze and her nose had jumped at the opportunity. Anna’s eyes rolled shut and her hands came up hoping to silence the sneeze but knowing she would never be able to.

 

 

“AAAACHOOOOOOOOOW!!!”

“HAAAASHEEEEEEW!!!”

 

Again Anna and Lady Everheart sneezed in perfect unison. Recovering, Anna looked wide eyed at Lady Caroline. Twice could not be happenstance, she had done it on purpose. Still ticking Everheart’s nose Caroline waved her free hand at Anna, shooing her towards the door. Anna curtsied quickly and quietly then hurried out, her nose still trying to tease more sneezes out of her. After what seemed an eternity Anna reached the bedroom door and slipped outside quiet as a mouse. 

 

“HAAAASHEEEEEEW!!!”

 

The moment the large door closed Anna sneezed immediately then turned and ran down the hall. Screw being ladylike, she wanted to be as far from the room as she could get.

 

“AAH!!”

 

Rounding the corner Anna crashed into Emily who was carrying a tray of some kind. Anna fell on her butt rather unceremoniously but was shocked to see Emily absorb the impact by spinning and twisting all the while keeping the tray from spilling. Anna winced as Emily opened her mouth angrily to no doubt yell at her for running but her friend’s decorum caught up with her at the last moment and she closed her mouth without speaking, instead take a deep breath to calm herself.

 

“Is the manner on fire?” Emily asked finally, her irritation burred deep but still there “I hope so because I can scarcely think of another legitimate reason for a lady to be running down the halls in that way. Really Anna, you must-“

 

“Come with me!” Anna said jumping to her feet and clasping Emily’s free hand “We need to talk, now!”

 

“Anna?” Emily said, taken aback by the stress in her friend’s voice “what is the matter? What has happened?”

 

“Not here.” Anna said pulling Emily’s arm “We need to talk alone. No one can hear this but you!”

 

“If that is truly the case then you should lower your voice.” Emily said firmly, then after a moment she added “As you wish, we will talk in the kitchens as they should be empty for the moment. First allow me to deliver these refreshments to the Lady and her guest. Miss Everheart did not request it but I have observed she often enjoys the offer of a refreshing wine from time to time when she has guests.”

 

Anna finally noticed the contents of the tray, a picture of a light summer wine and two glasses.

 

“The Lady will not be interested in that at the moment, I can promise you that.” Anna said “Come on, we need to talk now before I go mad.”

 

Emily almost ignored Anna and delivered the wine anyway but something in her friend’s eyes made her reconsider.

 

“Okay Anna, we shall go now.” 

 

 

 

 

Present.....

 

 

Emily sat in silence for a long moment then almost absently reached for the wine pitcher she had intended to bring her Lady and pored herself a glass, drinking in one gulp. Anna, having finished her tea yet still nervous after her story found Emily’s idea to be wonderful and pored a glass for herself.

 

“I suppose I should go pack my things.” Anna said after her glass was empty. 

 

“What?.....Oh...no I do not believe you will be let go.” Emily said being pulled back from her thoughts.

 

“Really!” Anna said hopeful “Are you sure Emily?”

 

“Yeah...I’m mean yes of course I am sure, she will not let you go over this.” Emily said “I do not sure she even knew you where there but regardless I am sure you will be able to remain work at the manner.”

 

The hesitation and slip in decorum made Anna’s eyebrow raise. Emily simply did not make those kind of slips.

 

“Are you alright? I mean are you well?” Anna asked.

 

“Yes,” Emily said offering her best reassuring smile “You go on now, perhaps break for lunch a touch early. You have my permission.”

 

Anna finished her wine and stood. As Emily was of higher rank among the maids she could indeed authorize her early break but it was unlike her to do so. 

 

“What are you planning to do?” Anna asked.

 

“Nothing that need trouble you dear.” Emily said “Go on now and get your nerves back in order so you may return to work.”

 

Not satisfied but knowing she would get no more from her friend Anna touched Emily’s hand comfortingly then left the room.

 

 

 

 

Emily signed and sat back in her chair. 

 

Lady Caroline. 

 

Something would have to be done about Lady Caroline and it looked as though it would be up to Emily herself to see to it as her own Lady was obviously far to.....infatuated by her new fascination to think clearly. The actions of the two Ladies had begun to effect other members of the household and that could have grave consequences. What if Lady Everheart had discovered poor Anna? Would she have let her go purely out of embarrassment? What would happen the next time? 

 

Emily could no longer stand by let Lady Caroline endanger the household.

 

She would confront her, soon.

 

 

 

 

That night Anna retired to her bed beyond tired from the day’s excitement. But as she lay in bed her mind continued to return to thoughts of the Ladies and there odd behavior. Particularly of the expression of release and relief on Lady Everheart’s face each time she had sneezed. It had looked as though she had enjoyed the feel immensely. Anna blushed a little as she felt a desire to experience the same enjoyment beginning to fill her. After another few minutes of restlessness she finally gave in and carefully removed a feather from one of her down pillows. 

 

“HAAAASHEEEEEEEW!!!”

 

Her sensitive nose did not need much encouragement and the first sneeze burst out indeed leaving her feeling relieved in a very enjoyable way. She sneezed for the next twenty minutes or so before finally feeling satisfied and curling up for a restful sleep.

 

 

 

 

As always I hope you all enjoyed and would love any feedback.

 

Also.......while this story has always been in the normal area, this particular part may or may not have a more.......adult version.

If anyone would be interested in reading that version just let me know and I’ll try to post it soon. 

Edited December 13, 2019 by Light

[kushamizuki]

I would certainly be interested in the adult version of this story.

[sneezygal]

I would definitely read the adult version of this

[poiub]

A triumphant return!

I'd definitely read the adult edition!

[ThePokeFan599]

Yes, I am really interested in the adult version. Plus I love where this story is going. 2 questions.

1. Is Susan the chef?

2. If she isn't could you introduce a side plot with her and Anna experimenting with something to make them sneeze they haven't used before?

[Light]

Thank you all for your comments. I’m glad you enjoyed it.

I finished the adult version and am working on editing it. I hope to have it posted soon. 
 

It will be in the adult section under the title “The Wardrobe Debacle”

 

To answer your questions, Susan was just another maid who had gotten sick and Anna had offered to take her chores for the day. 
 

I haven’t named the chef yet but I will see what the future of the story holds for her. The kitchen has so many sneezy things in it after all. 

[alicex]

love this!

[NoV]

Was really glad to see this story resurrected - sneezy maids and torturous feather sneezes are always something I'll come back to time and time again  

[Light]

Adult version is posted.

Enjoy.

 

[sneezyfeather338]

I love this story!!! I can’t stop reading it over and over again.😍🥰😘