Chapter 3: The Weary Fox and the Gifted Maid

After a long day at work, Sir Reginald is need for attention for his loving maid. So much so, he even goes out the way to treat her a little gift. Oh, so she thought...

Chapter 3: The weary fox and the gifted maid

"You look marvelous as always, Sir." Elara beamed, clasping her paws together.

Reginald groaned. "Sure, whatever gets this meeting done with. Apparently my shareholders have been thinking of creating new innovations without me." He emphasised the word "innovations." "Why couldn't they just write their ideas to me and I'll just approve them in my study? And why do I need to wear such a pompous outfit? They've seen my face many times before�"who am I impressing!"

Elara lifted his blue blazer over Reginald's shoulders as he put each arm through the sleeves, then meticulously sorted his cravat. "Well, your shareholders are going to see their handsome CEO, and they are also going to wear the same attire to impress you. Plus, you'll all look so cute together. You'll have a grand time."

Reginald rolled his eyes. He took a long breath and closed his eyes. "I don't want to stick around too long with them. Sort out the mess they've started and then leave. That's all."

Elara looked at him with a smug face and a raised eyebrow as she smoothed his collar. "Come, Sir. Your shareholders look up to you. You've always been a big inspiration to everyone. They want you because they need you."

Reginald mumbled to himself. "I do what I need to do�"The car's here, I guess I should make my way over."

The door was already open as they both waited for the chauffeur. A white, long classic saloon car pulled up outside the manor. A goat wearing a black suit and flat cap got out of the driver's door and made his way to the back of the car, opening the passenger door.

"Good morning, Sir. Please, come inside, and we'll get you to your meeting." The goat bowed down slightly and presented his hoof, gesturing for Reginald to enter. The interior of the car was a rich red leather; even Elara felt envious at the thought of him being in such a luxurious vehicle.

Reginald began to walk out the front door, then slightly turned his head to Elara's direction. "Elara, even though I'm gone, I expect you to carry out your duties." Then he made his way into the car.

Elara followed behind, stopping only at the front door. "Goodbye, Sir. Best of luck at the meeting. I'll be waiting for your return." With one paw waving goodbye.

Reginald said nothing, not even to his chauffeur. The fox's frown carried all the way into the car. The goat closed the passenger door, and they both drove off. She stood for a while, watching the saloon car leave the premises. Only when the car had completely left her sight did she go back inside.

Elara closed the front door and was welcomed by the profound silence of the manor. No one to give her orders, no one to please and make comfortable�"just her, alone.

After a short while of silence, Elara realised she still had to carry out her duties. "Sir Reginald is expecting this manor to be just as perfect as he left it. I can't let him down now." With that, she tightened the straps on her apron and went straight into the cleaning cupboard.

Everything was stripped out of the cupboard: mops, buckets, brooms, dusters, everything. "I've got a lot on my paws, but I can't leave our home in such a poor state."

With that, Elara made her way into the dining area and cleaned up Reginald's breakfast, followed by dusting the entire manor, and finally, washing and hanging the laundry outside in the garden.

After an exhausting couple of hours of work, Elara made her way into her master's bedroom. The bed sheets were changed, the room dusted, and she opened a window to let fresh air circulate. Elara exhaled with relief. "All done. Just need to mop downstairs, and this manor will look like a new home."

As she picked up her cleaning utensils and made her way to the door, she stopped in her tracks. A picture on the wall showed two older, pompous foxes with a younger fox: a younger Sir Reginald, day dreaming about past. Elara continued by waving her paw across the image of the younger Sir Reginald, wearing his cute black waistcoat. Then her eyes drew up to the miserable foxes�"one wearing a long, slim black dress and the other wearing a thick black suit and monocle. Elara's eyes squinted, and she scoffed at the picture as she made her way out of her master's bedroom. Leaving the picture to collect dust.

"Nearly done..." Elara spoke out with confidence while wiping the sweat from her brow. The wet foyer floor reflected the sunlight coming in. Although the floor was now cleaned, so was every other task. Elara shrugged. "I guess that's everything."

Elara looked at the clock. Much faster than she predicted. It seemed she worked a lot faster without a fox going, "Elara, dear..., Elara, I'm bored..., Elara, where's my tea?..."

After staring at the door, waiting for his return, a spark hit her mind. "If I'm home alone, maybe I should surprise Sir Reginald with a treat for his hard work at his meeting today?"

With that, Elara put away the cleaning supplies and made her way into the kitchen. "What would he like? What would he like?" That's when she saw a large bowl of apples. "Apple crumble!" It was a dessert they both liked, and it was easy to make, even for Elara.

After a while of peeling, chopping, and mashing apples, along with kneading the dough, her apple crumble was finally ready to be placed in the oven. Her hands struggled to light the coal underneath as her wrists were aching from all the cooking, but it was finally lit. Elara exhaled with relief.

At that moment, a vehicle pulled up outside the manor.

"There's no time to change!" She looked down at her apron, now covered in apple juice and flour. Faint steps were coming closer to the door. Elara leaped at the door and opened it with a large smile. "Welcome home, Sir Reg�""

Elara's face went from excitement to crushing disappointment. There was no fox.

"Alright, dear. Don't mind me, just dropping off groceries to put in the pantry." Bramble made his way into the manor, holding two wooden crates filled with a mix of fruit, vegetables, and meats. Bramble walked in with his muddy paws, leaving paw prints on her freshly cleaned floor. Elara sighed, but said nothing. Elara had been hoping to see the white saloon, but all there was was Bramble's green pickup truck. Elara closed the door, disappointment heavy in her heart.

"Phew�"those were heavy," Bramble exclaimed, placing the crates on the dining table.

Elara started to wave her finger at Bramble. "Don't make a mess now, you hear? I've just tidied the manor for Sir Reginald's return."

Bramble looked over his shoulder. "Yeah, sure. Whatever you say... Pet."

Elara gasped and crossed her arms in anger. "I'm not Sir Reginald's pet! I'm his maid!" She then continued to grumble under her voice.

Bramble sniggered. "If you say so." He continued to rummage through the crates. "What's your deal with Regi, anyway? I know you're his maid, but what is it? Do you love him or something?"

"W-what? N-no!" Elara stuttered, blushing furiously. "He's my master. I've always been close to him; I wouldn't dare disappoint him." She then went on to stare intensely at the back of his head.

"Okay then," Bramble said. "But if he treated me like what he does to you, I would have already punched him in that orange muzzle of his. If you need me, I'll be sorting the pantry." Bramble then made his way into the kitchen, leaving Elara to sulk.

She then looked back at the muddy mess in the foyer left by Bramble. "Guess I got to get the mop out again." She sighs out once again.

After another session of mopping, she could finally relax. What could she do? This was one of her rare circumstances where she could truly relax, only after changing her apron, of course.

In the saloon, Reginald was on his way home. Fist under his muzzle, he stared out the window, watching the landscape shift from a busy city back to the familiar sight of trees.

"Did you have a good meeting, sir?" the chauffeur asked.

Reginald turned away from the window. "We've made progress. Hopefully, we'll be expanding the tea business more across the country soon."

"That's fantastic news, sir! Your company is really making an impact. We're just making our way to the manor now. I hope you have a lovely evening, sir. And may I ask who the gift is for?"

Reginald patted the pink and white striped paper bag resting on his lap. "This? Oh, it's just a small token of appreciation for a colleague of mine..."

At home, Elara was eyeing up her master's chair. "Do I dare sit on his seat?" If she was ever caught in his chair, a very painful scolding would be deserved. She touched the arms of the chair, looking around to make sure no one was watching. Just as she was about to take her seat, outside the window, the unmistakable gleam of the white saloon caught her eye.

"He's here!" She dashed to the door.

"Welcome home, Sir." the goat said, opening the passenger door.

"Thank you, Hoovesworth." The weary fox replied. He then noticed the front door opening with a very excited rabbit lunging out. Reginald sighed.

"Welcome home, Sir! Come, let's get you comfortable inside." Elara enthusiastically directed him into the manor with an outstretched paw. "It's been a long day, Sir. Would you like to take your seat, and I'll get you a cup of tea?"

Then Elara noticed the striped bag clutched in his paw.

Reginald wiped away his weary look, replacing it with the smirky, cunning fox Elara knew so well. "That would be lovely, dear. But first, a little something to say thank you." He presented her with the bag.

"Oh, Sir. Thank you. You really shouldn't have," Elara said, tears immediately starting to build up under her eyes.

"Don't say that, dear... Come, let's have a look." He then guided them both toward the full-length mirror in the foyer, with Elara standing in front of him while he opened the bag.

"Now, close your eyes."

The paper rustled as Reginald put his paw into the bag. Elara’s excitement grew, especially when the gift went around the front of her neck. "Oh, my goodness! It's a necklace!"

The item felt quite close to her throat and very thick. Elara questioned the gift. "What type of neckl�"" Elara’s thought process went blank when she felt the strap tighten behind her neck. Now she started to panic.

Reginald leaned into Elara's ear. "There... You look so cute."

Elara's eyes slowly opened, maintaining the same position they were in before she closed them. However, this time, a thick black leather collar had been placed around her neck�"the type of collar one would put on a pet.

"Sir�"Sir Reginald? What is this?" she stuttered, looking in the mirror and touching the collar.

Reginald stood there, his fingers near his muzzle, pretending to look thoughtful. "Hmmm... I just thought that your uniform looked... incomplete." He then shook her shoulders with feigned excitement. "I hope you like it!" He then leaned in, whispering in her ear while flicking the little loop dangling in front of the collar. "Plus, I need something to let everyone know you're my maid."

Elara looked at Reginald’s reflection, then back to herself. Reginald, now bored, patted Elara on the head and made his way into the living room. "Come, Elara. I've had a long day. I need to relax." After Elara looked at her reflection for a third time, she made her way to the living room to her master.

Reginald was already on his seat. He pulled his cravat off and dropped it on the floor beside his chair. "That's much better," he exclaimed while unbuttoning the top buttons of his shirt.

As Elara arrived, she pulled the ottoman toward Reginald's paws, which he lifted instinctively, resting his weary feet. Elara then bent down to pick up the cravat and stuffed it neatly into her apron. As she got back up, Reginald had pulled a cigar from the silver cigar box located on the small table next to his chair. After he cut the tip off, he got Elara's attention.

"Elara, light me, please."

On that small table were long matches, which she immediately picked up and lit against the side of the box. "Y-yes, sir. Here you are, Sir." Elara never approved of smoking, but it seemed to be something Reginald needed time-to-time, especially after long meetings. As the smoke traveled her direction, she pulled a face of disgust.

"While you relax, Sir, I'll go make you a cup of te�""

"�"Scotch!" Reginald cut her off. "I've been talking nothing but tea all day." He turned his head, looking at Elara with seemingly cute eyes. "Elara, dear. Could you pour me a glass of scotch? This weary fox has had a long day."

Elara rolled her eyes in embarrassment. "Of course, Sir." Elara excused herself toward the alcohol cabinet on the other side of the room.

Reginald watched his maid with delight, stretching up high on the stool to get the bottle of scotch. After wobbling on the stool a few times, Elara exhaled with relief, carrying the bottle and an empty glass back to her master.

"Very good, dear." Elara poured the glass half full. "Leave the bottle."

Elara bowed. "Of course, Sir."

Reginald took a long puff from his cigar. "You know, Elara. The world of teas isn't so easy," he took another puff. "With many different types of leaves, and trying to show the country their benefits, it's a tough world out there."

Elara didn't know what to say. It's rare for him to talk about work in the manor, especially talking anything about business to her.

"I did miss you, Elara." Elara's reaction shifted instantly while Reginald swirled his scotch. "Even after a long meeting about how tea is under threat by coffee, none of that matters unless I get to see you at the end."

Elara quivered. "R-really, Sir?"

"I do..." He then reached his paw out and started rubbing the space between Elara's ears.

Her eyes rolled back before closing them. "I-I've missed you too, Sir." She then moved closer, placing her chin on the arm of the chair while Reginald continued to massage her head.

"So, how was your day, my little bunny..."

Elara moaned. "G-good, Sir. I've cleaned the manor as you r-requested, Sir."

Reginald tilted his head, watching his maid's reaction. "Good girl, Elara. You're my good girl."

Just being called "a good girl" dove Elara deeper into the feeling.

"Oh, Elara, dear. I always want to keep you close. I never want you out of my sight." 

Click.

The final part of her gift was now complete. Elara's eyes instantly opened to see a metal chain extending from her collar, traveling down to Reginald's paw.

"Sir Reginald! I-I can't wear this! People will think I'm your pet or something!" She then darted back, creating a gap between the two, with the chain hanging low. "Sir Reginald. This is quite unprofessional. And what happens if someone saw us?"

Reginald smirked against Elara's embarrassed face of fear.

However, to Elara's horror: "Okay, Sir. The pantry is now replenished. And I'll be on my w�"" Bramble watched the two fight against the chain. Reginald wore a satisfied fox smirk directed at him, while Elara showed pure embarrassment.

Bramble's eyes went back and forth between the two. He then focused on Reginald, showing off his power. "Uhh... Well, Sir. I'll be making my leave." Bramble removed his flat cap and nodded at both. "Sir, pet..." He chuckled to himself as he left through the front door.

Elara dove her paws into her face to hide herself. Reginald, as always, was unphased.

Reginald took a sip of scotch. Then he smelled the air. "Elara, dear...?"

Elara took a moment to retrieve herself. "Yes�"Sir." With frustration.

He continued to sniff the air. Even Elara was confused. "Elara, did Bramble leave the oven on?"

Elara sniffed the air too. She could smell something, something like apples.

"The crumble!" Elara screamed.

She immediately took action and ran toward the kitchen, only to be pulled back by the throat. With a gasping voice, Elara pleaded, "Please, Sir, I need to get to the kitchen now."

Reginald smirked and nodded. "Of course, dear." Instead of releasing the chain for an emergency, he pulled the chain paw by paw, dragging Elara closer to him. "Don't be too long, my dear. I need my special maid nearby."

Click.

And with that, Elara dashed into the kitchen. Gloves on, crumble out. Elara extinguished the fire from the oven with relief, then she looked at the metal tray. The crumble was misshapen and burnt ptches across the top. "I can't serve this to Sir Reginald. But he does deserve a treat from a long day." So, she mustered up the courage and placed a slice on a plate.

Reginald could hear Elara on her way toward him. "So, it was you, doing some baking." With a raised eyebrow.

"S-sorry, Sir. P-please, I wanted to make you a little treat." Elara raised the plate in Reginald's direction.

"Apple crumble. Well, it takes a very skilled person to mess this up." He put the fork in the crumble like placing a knife into stone, and lifted a piece with undercooked apples dripping. "Oh, Elara, dear. You've outdone yourself again. Well done, dear." He then took another bite, despite the tough crunches and gooey apples.

"R-really, Sir? Thank you!" Elara began to make her leave.

"One more thing, Elara." Elara turned back to Reginald's direction. 

Click. "I'm not done with you yet, dear."

Elara gulped in fear. "What now?" The fox wiggled his weary toes. "Elara, dear, sweety. I've been on my paws all day. They could really do with some attention."

Elara gulped again and bent down onto her knees. She could question his authority, but already wearing a collar said enough.

A long moan escaped Reginald's muzzle. "That's it, Elara... Mmmm... Just like that." Reginald poured another glass of scotch for himself and retrieved his cigar from the ashtray. Another puff of smoke eased through the fox's nose, putting his mind at ease. 

Reginald watched Elara at work, massaging his pads while he tossed the chain around his grip.

The tension quivered up Reginald's legs. "Grrr...!" Reginald's claws stuck out as he groaned. The claws started to scratch into the leather of the armchair. Elara picked up on his behaviour. What she was doing was clearly giving Reginald deep pleasure. To the point where he started flinching, the tension over riding him, but also craving some more.

Reginald took the opportunity and tugged on the chain. Elara yelped as she was forced forward. "Toes, Elara. Don't forget the toes." He then gulped the scotch. The fox grew more weary, his eyes getting heavy. The last thing he saw was his maid, then total darkness.

Elara, who was originally embarrassed, but now committed to her master's massage, started weaving her paws between his toes. Every circular motion, every pad pinched, every toe separated by her fingers. The more she committed to her master's feet, the closer she felt to him.

Eventually, all that moaning and scratching came to an end. Elara looked up, seeing her Sir Reginald drooling; this weary fox had finally fallen asleep.

With a small cloth taken out of her apron, she wiped the bit of drool from his muzzle. Reginald was in deep sleep, his breath deepening and releasing small snores. "I guess Sir Reginald really did need me." She slid the chain out from his relaxed grip and disconnected the chain from her collar, placing it in her apron.

She couldn't leave her master in his seat like this. So, out of the kindness of her heart, she pulled out one of the blankets from the cupboard that they kept for winter. She laid the blanket over Reginald, tucking him in. Elara got a good look at her master. 

"He's so cute when he sleeps." She then continued by stroking the top of his head while staring at the sleeping fox.

Elara got close, so close that Sir Reginald's breath hit her face. Elara gulped. What she was considering next would be an act of violation, an instant dismissal. Elara's mind went blank. Now or never. She delivered a quick kiss on the side of his cheek, and whispered, "Good night, my beloved, Sir Reginald."

With that, she picked up the dirty plate and glass. After a short while in the kitchen, she came back out to see Reginald still asleep in his chair.

The moment all lights were out, and all was quiet, Reginald slightly opened his eyes to make sure the coast was clear.

"Good night, my love."