Shyness

Short version : in this Victorian era, the very modest and naive Grace is dismayed when she learns that Mr O'Neil expects her to present herself to him entirely unclothed. But it's not like refusing is an option, of course.

"You're really lovely, without your old rags and properly washed, Miss Mahony" said the servant as she was drying Grace's naked body with a soft towel. "Sit here and let me comb your hair, now". Grace complied silently. She was a bit embarrassed, she never had anybody serve her before.

"Mr O'Neill told me how pretty you were. I believe that he had met you a couple times? And you're gentle and graceful as well. No surprise that he insisted on obtaining your custody after the passing of your late mother. She was after all only his second cousin once removed, but Mr O'Neill is a generous soul, and particularly sensitive to the distress of young girls"

"I think you're perfect, now, Miss Mahony. It's time to present yourself to Mr O'Neill. He's at the back of the garden with his guests, some are also relatives of you, I believe". The servant opened the back door. "Just go down this alley, and you will find them." Grace stood still, looking alternatively at the door and the servant. "What are you waiting, Miss Mahony?" "I...I'm naked, Madam" answered Grace, incredulous.

"Oh, yes, Mr O'Neill thinks that it's a better way to be introduced. Clothes hide what people really are, you see. That's what he says. Anyway, your new clothes aren't ready yet and will need to be adjusted too. So meanwhile, you'll have to stay in the nude. But don't worry. The property has high walls, and nobody outside of it will see you. And do not call me Madam, I'm only a maid."

"Then give me back my own clothes, please. I'm not going outside, or meeting people, naked. I can't. I just can't" stated Grace, shocked. The servant's face became stern. "No way you'll be showing yourself wearing these filthy rags" she answered . "Listen, Miss Mahony : I don't know how things were in your family, but you're now in the custody, and under the authority, of my master, Mr O'Neill, and this until he will have chosen a husband for you. You'll be expected to obey him without discussion. And as gentle as he might be, Mr O'neill is a firm believer in strict discipline, I would know that. I might be a mere servant, but I will still enforce his decisions, even upon you, and by any mean necessary". And saying that, she pointed to a cane resting on a dresser, that Grace hadn't noticed so far.

"Now, be a good girl and go meet Mr O'Neill" added the maid, smiling gently again. "You'll see, the gardens are beautiful, in this season." Confused and intimidated, Grace began to walk slowly towards the door. She stopped at the doorstep, unable to make a step more, and covered her intimate parts with her hands. "Straight down the alley. Have a lovely day, Miss Mahony" said the servant as she was closing the door behind Grace.