There was a large mirror nestled in between the bookshelves on the far wall. I stared at my reflection. The dress I was wearing was beautiful, and the dressmaker had made it perfectly. It conformed to my curves. Sarah said I was too plump, but I disagreed. My breasts were large and full, as were my hips. My corset held in my waist, as men liked. My dark hair was piled on top of my head, little ringlets coming down the sides. I knew I looked lovely. It was too bad no man wanted me because of the nasty rumors that were making the rounds.
I turned around and around, staring at my reflection. Perhaps I should do as Layla suggested. If I propositioned Lord Essex would he turn me down, laugh at a silly little girl who no longer wanted the burden of her maidenhead? Layla said the initial penetration was painful. I wondered how painful. I wondered what it would feel like. Layla had tried to describe it but failed.
“You feel very... well... very full.” The words hadn’t inspired me with a desire to have a man between my thighs, until now.
I went to the near wall and ran my fingers down the leather spines of the books. They were absolutely beautiful, and very expensive. I made my way around, admiring the books and running my hands along the cool wood of the beautifully polished table. I knew that Lord Essex was rich, but this room was beyond anything I had ever seen.
I took a few of the books off the shelves and sat down in the chair. Perhaps I wouldn’t leave, I thought. Perhaps I would just disappear for a while. Give everyone something to talk about. Make them think I was trysting with someone in the gardens. Add a bit of spice to the gossip. Leaving was too much like running away. I was never one to run away. Besides, I thought, enough gossip and Raymond might set me up in a house of my own. I liked that idea.
I opened one of the books and began to read. I didn’t recognize the author, but the book was an adventure story, of treasure lost and found. I was just finishing the first chapter when a noise at the doorway broke my attention span. Someone was coming in. I realized that I shouldn’t be here, that I shouldn’t have made myself at home in Lord Essex’s library.
I grabbed the book and ran to the back of the room, crouching behind one of the chairs. Just as I settled myself down the door opened fully and Lord Essex and Lord Beaton stepped inside. I tried to control my breathing. My palms were sweating. Lord Essex had defended me with Lady Chesterfield, but would he do so when he caught me in his private rooms?
They were talking but I couldn’t hear exactly what they were saying. Moments later the door opened again. I peeked around the chair and saw Amelia Turnston, a young widow, enter just ahead of Lord Cannonberry.
Lord Cannonberry shut the door and Lord Essex’s voice boomed out.
“You may kneel in the center of the rug, Amelia.” I gasped, and then quickly covered my mouth, afraid my gasp had been heard. When no one came my way, I looked out again. Amelia Turnston was kneeling in the center of the room, her hands clasped behind her back, her head bowed.
The three Lords were standing around her in a semi-circle; all three had stern looks on their faces.
“You’ve broken the rules of The Club, Amelia,” Lord Essex said. “Do you have anything to say in your defense?”
Amelia’s voice was low. “No milords, I do not. Please forgive me for my indiscretion. Please punish me as you see fit.”
I stared at the scene in front of me. The Club? What Club? And punish her? I knew I should stand and make myself known, let them know I was there. But I couldn’t. All I could do was stare at Amelia as she knelt, her head bowed.
“Very well, Amelia,” Lord Essex said, his voice stern. “Go and stand in front of the table.”
He made his way toward a cupboard near the far wall where I was hiding. I wondered if he would see me. I crouched down lower, feeling the hard ends of my corset digging into my stomach. The uncomfortable feeling caused me to gasp again and I thought I saw Lord Essex glance my way.
But he did not come over. Instead he smiled and then pulled out a drawer, taking out a long, thin strap of leather. I realized at that point what was happening. They were going to spank Amelia with the leather. I looked toward Amelia. She was bent over the table. Lord Beaton was pulling up her skirts to reveal her rear end. Lord Cannonberry was taking hold of her drawers and pulling them down. Her bum was now naked.
Lord Essex walked up behind her. “Hands above your head, Amelia.”
I was on my knees now, still hidden behind the chair, but I had a perfect view. Amelia raised her arms above her head, her hands flat on the table. I was in shock, I knew I should cry out, stop this before it went any further. But I was glued to the spot. I wanted to see what was going to happen next.
Amelia’s soft voice was barely audible. “Please forgive me, milords. I’m sorry for my indiscretion. I pray you, show me my place.”
The leather made a swishing noise as it sailed through the air and landed on Amelia’s bare bum. She moaned softly. “Thank you, milord for showing me my place. May I have more correction, please?”
The leather landed again and again and again. Each time I heard it sail through the air my breath caught in my throat, as if the leather would land on my bum. After each swat Amelia thanked Lord Essex and asked for ‘more correction’. After a few minutes, Lord Essex handed the leather to Lord Cannonberry, who continued the spanking. After a few more minutes, he handed the strap to Lord Beaton, who took his place. I could hear the tears in Amelia’s voice. She was thanking them and then begging for more correction in the same breath, her crying very noticeable.
I wanted to jump up and yell for them to stop. I wanted to scream and run from the room, telling every person in the drawing room that a woman was being whipped in the library. But I didn’t. I knelt and watched. The sounds of the leather and of Amelia’s moans were causing my belly to clinch. They were also causing a queer feeling in my quim. It quivered with each moan. I stared at Lord Essex. He was standing off to the side, watching his friends whip the young widow. I wondered what it felt like, what Amelia was feeling.
When Lord Beaton finished the spanking, the room was silent except for Amelia’s soft sobs. I could hear myself breathing heavily. I was fascinated. She seemed to love what they were doing to her but why, I wondered, were they whipping her? What gave them the right? Why did she permit it?
There was silence and I saw Lord Beaton hand the strap to Lord Essex. He took it and lightly began to caress Amelia’s rear, which had bright splashes of red spread across it.
“What is the first rule of The Club, Amelia?” Lord Beaton asked, his voice stern.
“Milords are in charge,” she whispered. “Their word is law.”
“And why were you punished today?” Lord Cannonberry’s voice held the same sternness.
“For breaking the rules,” Amelia said. “I disobeyed an order from Lord Beaton today.”
“And what order was that?” Lord Essex asked.
“Lord Beaton ordered me to his home for a spanking today, and I couldn’t make the appointment.” Her voice was soft. “Please milords, forgive me. Don’t make me leave the Club. I couldn’t get away from my family. I didn’t mean to miss the appointment. Please forgive me. It won’t happen again.”
I watched as the three of them exchanged glances. Lord Essex nodded. “Very well Amelia, we will give you one more chance. You will receive ten more strokes from each of us now. Then you will come to Lord Beaton’s home at precisely two tomorrow. Do not be late. Do not miss the appointment. You will take whatever punishment Lord Beaton gives you. Do I make myself clear?”
Amelia sniffled. “Yes, milord, I will do as you say.”
I listened as the swats were delivered, one right after the other. Amelia’s moans were growing louder.
“Please, milords, please, I need release.” Her voice was loud, her tone pleading.
“Release is for good little girls,” Lord Beaton said. “Perhaps I will allow it tomorrow, but not tonight.”
The swats ended, and Lord Essex’s voice rang out. “You are
to make yourself available to any member of The Club when they ask Amelia, is that clear?”
“Yes, Lord Essex, it’s very clear. Thank you for the correction, milords.”
“Very well,” Lord Cannonberry said. “We’ll see if you’ve learned your lesson tomorrow. You may stand now.”
I watched as she stood, her legs wobbly. Lord Cannonberry supported her on one side, Lord Beaton on the other. Both reached up and gently pushed hair away from her face. Lord Essex moved in behind her and talked softly in her ear. I couldn’t hear what he was saying, but she was sighing with pleasure, showing that she enjoyed whatever it was he’d whispered.
Essex then took the leather strap and stepped back. I slipped back down behind the chair. Cannonberry and Beaton were helping Amelia straighten her skirts and fix her hair. The four of them stood in the center of the room and talked for a few moments.
I heard the door open and shut. I leaned my head against the back of the chair, trying to catch my breath. I had not been discovered, amazingly enough. I started to rise when I heard footsteps coming across the room. Lord Essex had the leather strap in his hands. He crossed the room and sat down in the chair I was hiding behind.
“You may come out now, Mrs. Hudson,” he said sternly. I stood up and he turned around to face me.
“My, my, my, what a naughty little girl you are,” he said, laughter in his voice. “Whatever am I going to do with you?”
Chapter 2
Lord Essex had taken off his coat and loosened his shirtsleeves during the spanking. Now, sitting in the chair with the leather draped casually across his lap, he looked wicked.
I shivered, trying to find my voice. “Please forgive me, milord,” I said in a mimic of Amelia’s words. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. I was simply looking for a quiet place. I won’t tell anyone what I’ve seen. I swear.”
Lord Essex’s smile deepened. “Oh, I know you won’t say anything, Mrs. Hudson. It would further harm your already damaged reputation. I’m not worried about you saying anything. I’m wondering how to punish you for prying into my private affairs.”
He wiggled the leather in his lap and smiled.
“Oh no!” My voice was quivering. I tried to put conviction in my words. “I will not allow you to do that...” I stopped and pointed to the table, “to me. And I did not pry. It was an honest mistake.”
And he laughed. He actually laughed at me. He stood and walked toward me, the leather strap hanging from his hand.
“Oh, my dear Mrs. Hudson, you will allow it, and much more before we are finished. And, if it was an honest mistake you should have made your presence known.” He crossed behind me and gathered me into his arms, using the strap to pull me back against him. The leather was resting against my stomach and I shuddered.
His lips were near my ears. Never had a man held me this closely, not even Barnard.
“My sweet Mrs. Hudson, I simply cannot allow you to witness what you just did without any punishment.”
I tried to wiggle out of his arms and he pulled the leather tighter. I could feel his manhood pressed against my bum. It was hard and much larger than I thought it would be. It caused a wave of what I could only assume was desire that made my knees go weak. I wanted to turn around and touch it. To see it. The feelings scared me and thrilled me at the same time.
“Release me,” I said softly. “I promise you I won’t say anything. Please, release me.”
He kissed my neck, just below my ear and I moaned. He dropped the leather at my feet and his hands went up to my breasts, gently caressing them through the satin material. Then he pulled on the bodice and my nipples spilled forth. They were hard and aching. He gathered them in his fingers and gently twisted them. I pushed myself back against him and laid my head on his shoulder.
“My sweet Mrs. Hudson, how I look forward to training you.” He continued to caress my nipples. “Your sweet bum calls to me even now. However, we don’t have time. Dinner will be served in moments.”
My breathing was coming in short gasps. I knew that I should try and break out of his arms, but I didn’t want to. “Please.”
He laughed lightly. “Please what, my sweet Mrs. Hudson?” His lips were in my hair, his fingers twisted my nipples harshly and I cried out.
“Please. Stop. No. More.”
His voice was deep, his breath tickling my neck. “Which is it, Mrs. Hudson, stop, or more?”
I didn’t answer. I couldn’t answer. All I could do was press my breasts against his hands.
He twisted my nipples again and whispered in my ear. “We’ll walk in the gardens after dinner and discuss this predicament.” He turned me around and looked in my eyes. His were heavy with lust and I knew that mine were probably the same. Watching Amelia being spanked had caused feelings of warmth to spread through my belly. His handling of my breasts had increased that feeling.
He leaned down and took one of my nipples in his mouth. I gasped and tried to pull away and he bit gently. Then I moaned and felt myself melt in his arms.
“After dinner, Mrs. Hudson,” he whispered. “We’ll dance and discuss.” He pulled my bodice back up, positioning it to cover my nipples again. I was speechless, unable to answer. I didn’t want to wait until after dinner. If he was going to divest me of my maidenhead I wanted him to do it right now, before I changed my mind. I could feel the dew on my quim.
He stepped back and offered me his arm. “Shall we?”
I looked down and he pulled my face back up gently. “Soon, Mrs. Hudson, soon. Your training must come first, but soon I will fulfill what you are feeling now. Give it time.”
And then he turned and headed for the door, offering me his arm again as he opened it. “Shall we?”
Dinner seemed to last an eternity. I’d been seated next to two older gentlemen that I did not know. Happily for me, they did not shun me. Both included me in conversations and were polite and attentive.
But I was unable to eat much. My stomach was in knots. I pushed the food around on my plate and thought about Lord Essex’s hands on my breasts. I thought about Amelia bent over the table in the library, the three Lords punishing her behind with the leather strap. I looked down the table at her. She was laughing and happy, a rosy blush on her cheeks. She was seated next to Lord Beaton, who leaned over repeatedly and whispered in her ear.
The longer I watched them the madder I became. How dare Lord Essex try to drag me into his debauchery? I didn’t care if he and his friends spanked everyone seated at this table. They would not spank me.
I smiled at the ancient Lord seated next to me, and then turned and shot an evil glare at Lord Essex. He had been looking at me already, a twinkle in his eye. That twinkle deepened upon seeing my scowl. Then he took his knife and rapped it repeatedly against the palm of his hand, mimicking a spanking motion.
I couldn’t believe that he would be so blatant. If he thought I was walking in the gardens with him after dinner he was sorely mistaken. Just because I’d melted when he’d explored my breasts didn’t mean I was interested in him. I was twenty-three years old. I was a virgin and a widow. I would have melted if the old man sitting next to me had played with my breasts. Then I took another look at the aging man. Well, maybe not melted.
I glanced around the table. The women were clearly uninterested in me. The men, however, were very interested. I did have money. I stared at the gathered Lords and gentlemen, trying to decide whom I could flirt with after dinner. Perhaps the flirting could turn into something more permanent.
I glanced down the table again and received a shy smile from Geoffrey Edwards. Geoffrey was the second son of a Duke, untitled but still a good catch. I decided he would do nicely. Then I attacked the remaining food on my plate.
Lord Essex could go to the devil. He could walk in the gardens with someone else. I had other things to attend to.
The second dance of the evening was in full swing when Geoffrey Edwards appeared at my side, asking me to join him on the floor. Lord Essex scowled at this
turn of events. He had been dancing with his aunt, a woman barely ten years older than himself who was acting as his hostess.
Geoffrey led me to the floor, but I felt none of the exciting shiver when he took me in his arms that I’d felt in the library.
“You look very lovely this evening, Mrs. Hudson,” Geoffrey said. “I’m glad to see your mourning is over and you will be able to join us more often.”
I smiled up at him.
“Why thank you, Mr. Edwards,” I whispered. “It is most gratifying to be able to move about in society again.” I lowered my eyes and sneaked a glance at Lord Essex. He was still dancing with his aunt.
I pushed myself closer to Geoffrey. “Not that I don’t miss Barnard, but one does get tired of wearing black.”
Geoffrey laughed and tightened the arm he held against my back. “Perhaps I might call upon you sometime? We could go for a ride in the park, or perhaps to see a play? I will ask your father-in-law for permission, if that is acceptable to you.”
I smiled up at him, but before I could say yes, a hand on my shoulder stopped us both in the middle of the floor.
“Forgive me, Edwards,” Lord Essex said, his voice dripping with anger. “If you don’t mind, Mrs. Hudson and I have something we need to discuss.”
Geoffrey dropped his arms immediately and I stepped back.
“Actually,” I said. “I do believe we have finished that conversation, Lord Essex.”
The handsome lord’s eyes darkened even more.
“Mr. Edwards has just invited me to a play this weekend.” I turned and beamed at Geoffrey. “I’m sure my father-in-law would agree to our outing. Shall I look for you around seven?”
Geoffrey bowed and kissed my hand. “The pleasure will be all mine, Mrs. Hudson.”
Then he nodded to Lord Essex and left the dance floor. Couples had been mulling around us, trying to overhear the conversation. Another little tidbit for the gossip columns.
His Virgin Widow (Rakes of Mayfair Book 1) Page 2
