Stephen found coming home different this time. While he had always been happy to return to the estate, this time he was eager to return. The first night with Abby in his bed on his return was alien to his previous nature but one that he found fulfilling and enjoyable. He was amazed at the change in her. She had blossomed into a full grown woman, secure in her own sensuality and sexuality and confident in her abilities and in her place in the household.

Steve on the other hand was becoming a problem. It was obvious that he was jealous of Abby's new position. Stephen had always suspected that Steve had some repressed homosexual feelings especially toward his boss and Master. His body language and attitude in the past few days only reinforced that feeling. Something would have to be done about this situation or there was going to be trouble.

Laying in the huge bed with Abby curled comfortably beside him, Stephen let his mind play with the several problems. He knew that he eventually would find the correct action, it was only a matter of time.

And there was the upcoming party. There were some very special arrangements to be made to which on ly he could attend. He would see to those today, but he needed to make sure Abby was fully occupied while he was busy. She had not yet visited her new property in town and he decided that it was time she visited and made some decisions about what she wanted to do there. He had encouraged her to let one of his property managers lease the property, but she was hesitant to make any such decisions. Now, he thought is time for her to get on that project.

Rising her stretched and looked down at the sleeping Abby. She was an amazing creature. To think he had almost let her slip through his fingers. Well, even he sometimes made bad decisions. Fortunately, this one had corrected itself.

As he headed to the shower, he again began to think about Steve and how to best deal with the problems that was causing. Steve has been a loyal and faithful servant. He had not done anything yet to make Stephen think he was anything but a trusted assistant. He knew the two options. He didn't like either one of them. Which ever he choice he made, he would be without a right hand man who would be hard to replace.

As he showered, he continued to worry the problem over in his mind. His preoccupation with the solution to his problem kept him from noticing the figure entering the bath behind him.