For their second date, Nathan had opted for trousers instead of a skirt and minimal makeup. He had picked a pretty blouse though. He was very excited to finally see Mister Moore's - James' - farm. Before Nathan had started working at a bookshop, he had always dreamed of doing farm work all day. Maybe he had also just dreamed of cuddling baby cows all day. It didn't matter. He was very excited and that was the only important thing.

"Ah, Nathan, welcome," James greeted him when he opened the door. "Please come in. Would you like to drink something?"

Nathan shook his head. "No thank you, I'm good."

"Very well then. Since I want to see if you are a fitting spouse for me, we will spend some time on the farm, working, and then later we can sit down together, eat something and discuss our expectations for the future."

He nodded. "That sounds good. I fear you'll have to teach me a lot of the farm work, though."

James smiled. "I'm sure you will quickly get the hang of it. Would you like to borrow boots from me?"

"Oh yes, please," Nathan answered thankfully, "I don't want to ruin my shoes."

They went to the mudroom where James found a pair of boots for Nathan. Then, it was out to the fields.

---

Nathan was tired and slightly dirty when they reentered the house. Farmwork was more taxing than he had anticipated. But he was very much looking forward to eating with James.

"So," James started when he placed a casserole dish on the table, "would you like to start or do you want me to?"

Nathan shrugged. "You can start. I have a feeling you have more specific ideas than I do."

"As you wish." James poured water into Nathan's glass and grabbed one of his own. "First the non-negotiable things. I have a job outside of the farm as well so I will be the provider of the family. In exchange I expect dinner on the table, the cows milked, the eggs collected, and the house tidy when I come home."

"You want me to be a housewife?"

James chuckled. "Housespouse. You aren't really a wife, are you? But yes. I want a helpmeet."

Well, Nathan assumed there were worse things than being nice and kept by a wealthy, handsome man. "Alright. That sounds doable. I will have to get a bit of practice but I'm sure I can manage. Anything else?"

"You will go to church with me every Sunday. You won't be dressing sloppy, not in the house and not out of it. Those are the non-negotiable aspects."

Nathan nodded. "Alright. I want my own bank account with an allowance. That's not negotiable for me."

"Done," James said confidently. "Now for the things we can talk about. There have to be consequences for breaking the rules. I have heard amazing things about spanking, washing the mouth out with soap for unchristian language, and using enemas."

Nathan swallowed. "Corporal punishments?"

"Yes," he replied.

His lip between his teeth, he nodded. "But absolutely no remaining injuries."

"I want to punish you, not break you, little bird."

He nodded.

"Alright," James said, "one more thing. How well do you take care of your health?"

Nathan shrugged again. "I eat well and I like taking walks. I brush my teeth twice a day and I do all the normal hygene things."

James just hummed.

"Why?"

"You'll see," was the cryptic reply.

"Oh, before I forget. As the provider, I am also head of the household and I expect obedience. I don't want a mindless doll but I don't need my helpmeet antagonizing me."

Nathan nodded. Maybe Abby had been closer to the mark with her BDSM relationship quip than he had initially expected.

"Do you have anything else you would like to discuss?"

Nathan blushed horribly. "This is negotiable but I have enjoyed being playful, some people would say bratty, with my partners. Is that something you like?"

"That depends. There are rules that won't be crossed. And I expect you to be respectful even when you play like that."

"I can do that!" Nathan immediately promised, "I don't want to win that type of fight. I really like being put back in my place."

James grinned. "Then we will fit together well in that aspect.