This was agonising for James. He was being offered any self respecting red blooded male's fantasy scenario on a plate. And yet...he couldn't do it. He couldn't force any girl, let alone one he liked and might potentially develop serious feelings for, to do this without them wanting to. That would be no better thsn Elspeth's treatment of him. As nicely as that had, admittedly, worked out for him.
"Could you check that they're ok with it first...mistress?"
"Them?" Elspeth cocked an eyebrow.
"I've rounded it down to four" James winced apologetically, knowing how bad that sounded. But Elspeth chuckled heartily.
"A most attractive cohort this year aren't they? You did well to dismiss so many so quicky" she smiled, and seemed genuinely curious "so who are the lucky few"
"Meghan , Melanie, Alexandra and...Roxanne" James paused a little, unsure what reaction he would get from including her daughter on his shortlist. It barely seemed to register.
"All fair choices" Elspeth nodded "Alexandra can be a little strange and Roxanne a little...well, it doesn't matter. I'm sure you know what you're doing."
She paused slightly then sighed at him almost dotingly.
"Ok, I'll ask them if it makes you happy. But you really don't understand us witches if you still view us as prudes. I don't imagine there will be any objections. But...if there are, what am I to do? Shall I strike from the list?"
"No!" James answered quickly, he didn't want to lose anyone over this "We'll do something else if they aren't comfortable with it....assuming that's ok.. mistress"
Elspeth shook her head.
"I must be going soft in my old age. But fine, I'll take your little harem elsewhere and make sure my suggestion doesn't offend any of their sensibilities. I shouldn't be too long. In the meantime you can stay here and have fun with all the rejected candidates"
James had to admit to himself, for all her faults Elspeth really could be very decent to him. Now he just needed to decide who to hang out with while he waited. Who would he like to become friends with?