''It really is the most tediously hot day. What do you say, Georgina?'' asked Sophia.
''Yes, lets. It was so much fun when we swam last year. The lake was so cool and there's never anybody around to see us. Come on, let's be daring,'' Georgina said.
''How long has your family owned Stanley Manor?'' Georgina asked Alice as they walked over the lawn towards the lake.
''About two hundred years,'' Alice replied. ''My father hates the place. He says it costs far too much to maintain.''
''But your father is the richest man in the county. Surely a few pounds for maintenance is of no consequence to him?'' Sophia butted in.
''He is indeed rich beyond belief, but he is what people in this part of England call, tight. He keeps his fingers firmly on his money,'' Alice said.
''Yes, that's how people get rich, by not spending anything. My father is rich but not nearly as rich as your father is. In fact, in comparison, I would say we are really rather poor,'' Sophia complained.
The other two laughed at Sophia. They both knew her father was rich enough to own a three thousand hectare estate.
''I do so like your dress, Alice. You look prettier than ever in pink. Your father may be the richest man in the county, but my dear, you are the most beautiful woman in the county. You could have any man you want,'' Georgina said.
''Nonsense. You two are more beautiful,'' said Alice.
When they reached the lake, they walked along the shore and stopped at a wooded area.
''I do hope nobody sees us. It really isn't lady like to swim,” Sophia said.
''Well, I don't care. I'm going in naked this time,'' Georgina announced.
''But you can't, what if somebody sees you?'' Sophia asked, horrified at the idea.
''There is nobody here. And so what if somebody sees me. I'm just a woman, not a monster.''
''Then let's all swim without clothes. It'll be so daring and so much fun. Swimming in undergarments is so heavy. Last year, I was almost pulled to the bottom,'' Alice concluded.
Alice and Georgina went behind a tree and began to take off their clothes. Sophia looked around nervously, sure someone would see them. When Alice emerged, she walked to the water’s edge and tip-toed into to the refreshing water.
Sophia looked at her and was instantly envious of Alice's body. Her legs were long and slender, her buttocks small and soft and her breasts perfectly formed. Sophia would have swapped her red hair and blue eyes for Alice's blonde curls and emerald green eyes, in an instant.
Sophia turned to see where Georgina was. When she saw her, she was surprised by the size of her breasts. Sophia, Alice and Georgina were neighbors in the high society life of Northampton, and they had grown up together. But they hadn't seen each other naked for many years. Every time they swam, they had worn some sort of garment.
''Georgina, you are a very wholesome woman,'' Sophia said. Georgina smiled and ran into the water. Sophia hung around at the water’s edge as Alice and Georgina walked out into the water. When the water reached their thighs, they both dived and swam off into the middle of the lake.
''Look at her. She is too afraid to take off her clothes,'' Georgina said as she and Alice trod water.
''I really don't know why. She has a stunning figure,'' Alice said. ''Sophia, come on. The water's lovely,'' she shouted.
Eventually Sophia disappeared behind a tree and emerged with her arms folded across her breasts. She skipped into the water as fast as she could, and as soon as it was deep enough, submerged her body from sight. When she reached the others she was quite out of breath.
''It's very cold, indeed,'' she said gasping.
The other two looked at each other and rolled their eyes in a display of irony. They continued their conversation, still treading water in the middle of the lake.
“What would you do now, if a man came along and took our clothes?'' Alice asked.
''Oh, that thought is too horrible to contemplate,'' Sophia said.
''I would chase him,'' Georgina said.
''But there would be a horrible scandal. You can't run around naked,'' Sophia observed.
''It would be a very difficult situation wouldn't it. Although it isn't very far back to the house. I think we would have to tear a branch full of leaves from a tree and walk behind until we got close enough to run inside and get some clothes,'' Alice ventured.
''As we are talking about daring activities, I have a suggestion. When we were on the terrace a few minutes ago, I told Alice she was beautiful, and she told you and I, Sophia, that we were more beautiful. Let's find out who is the most beautiful,'' Georgina said.
Sophia looked puzzled. '' But how do you want to do that?''
Georgina explained. ''There is a ball next week at the Ferguson's. Let's see which of us can fill our dance cards the fastest. The first one to get it filled, we will call the most beautiful of us, and there will be no more dispute.''