Miss Summers' School (Lessons in Submission Book 1)

by Maggie Ryan

  Max had to agree. He'd conducted many a deal in courtrooms that were dark and forbidding. He'd sat through the sounds of lawyers arguing loudly, as if volume alone could convince the decision to go their way, while a formidable judge sat above them all, his gavel pounding for order. Though small and a bit crowded, this room would not tend to frighten children.

  A rather portly man entered, his gait awkward, the large valise he carried causing him to lean slightly to one side. Setting it on one end of the table, he shook his head as he looked around the room. His attitude about being forced to leave his official courtroom was evident in his expression. After laying several files on the table, he turned to the crowd, took a deep breath and shouted, "All rise for Judge Deardon."

  "So much for no shouting," Max quipped, as he and Peter stood at the back of the room and the door opened.

  The Judge entered wearing the black robes of justice. He walked to the table and sat down. "Thank you, Mr. Jones. If you'll take your seats, we can begin." Once everyone had settled, and even the occasional whisper was silenced, he nodded.

  "Thank you. This is a serious matter we have before us today. Our community was responsible for the care of these girls, and in that we failed. It should not have taken such a tragedy to remind us of our duty. The fire took the lives of many, and it will take quite some time to rebuild the orphanage and hire new staff. The need to place these girls as quickly as possible is urgent. They've been through a horrific event, let's not make them go through another. Let's not fail them again. In appreciation of your willingness to provide homes and give them a stable future, all fees have been waived." He paused as heads nodded around the room. "Mr. Jones, please bring them in."

  People bent forward for a better look as the door was opened. Soft gasps and exclamations were uttered as six girls were ushered into the room. Each wore a simple black shift, none seeming to fit. The only item they wore to fight against the chill of the day was a thin cloak. Mr. Jones guided them to stand to the right of the table. All looked as one might expect, wide eyes darting about the room before gazing at the floor. Once in line, the girls reached out to clasp the hand of the girl next to them, as if needing the support of the only remaining people they knew.

  From his seat, Max looked over the line. While he hadn't known exactly what to expect, this was definitely not it. Despite being in a room far less frightening than a courtroom, the girls looked as if they were afraid for their very lives. Surely they could have been provided better clothing, or at least clothing that fit. The girls ranged in size from the smallest, who appeared to be no older than three or four, to the tallest, who was still quite tiny. None appeared anywhere near her majority. Perhaps they were saving the older girls for last? Yes, that must be it. The ones presently standing there would be easier to accept into an existing family. Their tender age would allow them time to set aside their past as a new future unfolded.

  Despite his conclusion, he found his eyes drawn to the end of the line. Though her head was covered, there was something about that girl. From what he could see of the hair escaping the hood of her cloak, he could tell it was a riot of color; ranging from red to brown and all shades in between. Shaking his head, he wondered why the messy strands continued to mesmerize him. Her free hand was clenching the fabric of the cloak, her feet shuffling against the floor. Taking a closer look, his brow furrowed. Were those welts he could see on her calves above the stockings bunched loosely at her ankles? Was she the sort of girl who needed such correction? As if sensing his perusal, the girl's head lifted and her eyes met his, defiance burning in their depths.

  Chapter Two

  It took effort to conceal his gasp. Of course… her hair reminded him of another woman; although he had never met her. Max remembered Alex likening his wife's locks to a sunset, the warm colors softening as they melted against the horizon. Just as he recognized the fire of her hair, he also knew those eyes. He had watched those eyes momentarily fill with peace as Alex heard Max's oath. He'd watched those eyes dim as life fled from the man he held in his arms. There was no question in his mind. This bedraggled girl had to be the daughter of Alexander Bannister, the man who had taken the bullet intended to end Lord Hollister's life.

  The girl had the hair of her mother but had inherited her father's eyes, which were the color of the ocean; the aquamarine hue reminding Max of the waves of the rolling sea. Her gaze didn't waver as she stared at him, pushing her shoulders back as if daring him to find her lacking. Her skin was as pale as the most delicate china, her face heart-shaped, her chin lifting even higher as small spots of color appeared as pink stains on her cheeks. Her free hand released her cloak to tuck the unruly strands of her hair underneath the hood, almost as if his thoughts of it being untidy had been heard. The hand moved to smooth over the black cloak as though it were the softest wool of a warm cape before once more wrapping around the cheap fabric.

  An intense need to provide for the girl caused Max's heart to beat faster in his chest as he imagined her in far different clothing. He could easily visualize her in a dress of pale blue, a crisply starched pinafore about her waist and tied with a large bow at her back. White stockings would cover her legs and hide the welts she bore. Small black flat shoes would protect her dainty feet from the cold floor. She'd be wearing the warmest cloak, and have gloves or perhaps a muff to warm her hands.

  His vision changed in his mind. Her form was currently hidden beneath the shapeless shift, but he could easily picture the girl as her ill-fitting clothing was removed. Rounded breasts would fill his hands, delicate nipples swelling into soft peaks as his fingers caressed them. The vein in her delicate throat would pulse as she threw back her head as his tongue tortured those taut pebbles, her small hands in his hair as his lips closed around each one. Her rear would be high and round, soft beneath his palms as he ran them across the small globes while he sternly lectured her. He could practically feel it quivering beneath his fingers as she wondered what price he was planning to extract from her bare bottom. Soft, and yet able to withstand the punishment it would often receive. Though he couldn't condone the thought of another man laying a switch against her thin calves, he had no problem envisioning his hand, a paddle, his belt, birch or even a cane being applied to her bottom… or even more intimate places.

  God, her hair—he could picture the strands whipping about like flames as her head tossed and reared back as she hung over his knees, learning it didn't pay to be naughty. He could almost feel the silky strands in his fist as he brought her to him, guiding her as she made her apology for her naughtiness and begged for his forgiveness. It would spill down her back, his hands buried in the thick mass as he bent over her, claiming her after she'd been forgiven. Soft words of gratitude would be murmured as she thanked him for his correction after he spilled himself deep inside her body. His arms ached to hold her close and his lips to feel her—not only to drop kisses onto tear-stained cheeks in comfort after reddening her bottom, but also to kiss her lips, her breasts, her quim… until she was begging for release. Feeling his cock twitch in his trousers, his pulse quickened as he looked at the girl he'd been searching for and his lips curled into a smile. Max needed to know nothing more—his decision had been made the moment their eyes had locked together. Bannister had been right. His search was over. He had not only been looking for this girl for the past year, he'd been searching for this woman his entire life.

  The proceedings began, and the smallest child was adopted quickly. The next two girls were clinging to each other and had begun crying until a voice rang out. Max listened raptly while Miss Bannister informed the court that the two were sisters.

  "Emma is only four, and Faye is six. It would not be justice to separate them from the only family they have left."

  Somewhat amazed that the girl would have the courage to speak to a Judge with no trace of fear in her voice, Max was pleased when a man assured his pleading wife that they would take both children. As the next girl was discussed, adopted and led away, Ma
x realized that each one had stopped to hug Miss Bannister, the young woman giving each a few words, as if assuring them they would be fine.

  The proceedings progressed quickly until only two were left. When a girl named Ginny was asked for, the child turned and gave Miss Bannister a huge smile and a wave.

  "I'll miss you," Ginny said, loudly enough for everyone in the room to hear. "I'm sure you'll find a nice new family as well."

  "I'm just happy for you. Remember, be a good girl, Ginny. Mind your parents and don't forget to say your prayers."

  Ginny promised she would after receiving a final hug, and being guided from the room by her new parents.

  Max wondered if Miss Bannister would be one to follow her own words of advice. From his long talks with her father, he knew the girl was no stranger to rules or discipline. Her lessons at her father's feet would serve her well. She'd learn that obedience to him would be all that kept her from kneeling beside her bed with a hot, tender bottom as she said her nightly prayers. Once Ginny had departed between her new parents, only one girl was left. The moment the judge asked her to step forward, Peter stood up.

  "Judge, this one already has been spoken for. May I approach?" With permission given by a nod, Peter went to the front.

  Max wasn't watching his representative; his eyes were on the girl. She looked surprised to hear the statement, and shocked as the remaining people exited the room until only Max remained seated. When her eyes met his, she jerked her head to the front, both hands now worrying her clothing.

  It wasn't until the judge called him that Max walked to the table.

  "Good afternoon, Max. I am rather surprised to see you. As I was explaining to your representative, this is rather a different situation. Miss Bannister is not of an age to adopt, as the child is almost eighteen."

  "Adoption is not my intention," Max said, and turned to give the girl a long glance. "I believe there has been a misunderstanding. It is my belief that Miss Bannister reached her majority at the beginning of the year."

  "Oh?" Turning, the judge looked towards the girl. "Miss Bannister, when exactly is your birthday?"

  The men watched as the girl's eyes darted about the room, refusing to meet any of theirs. Her hands twisted her cloak furiously, and her feet still shuffled on the floor.

  After giving her plenty of time to answer, Max spoke. "Come, lass, it isn't a hard question."

  Her response was to look past him to the judge. "Am I on trial here, your Honor?"

  Judge Deardon's lips quirked at the interchange between the two. "I'd say that depends on your answer, Miss Bannister. Your lack of cooperation so far does not bode well for your character."

  Max saw the girl's eyes flash. An idea instantly came to him, and he spoke before she could decide exactly what the Judge's words might mean for her future. "I think that's a splendid idea, Miss Bannister." Leaving her with her mouth dropping open, he turned to the Judge. "Since it seems Miss Bannister is familiar with justice and all its ceremony, perhaps that is what is needed to complete our discussion. I'd suggest we do indeed move into your courtroom, your Honor."

  He didn't miss the fact that his words had Mr. Jones nodding instantly in agreement. Making sure his gaze could not be seen by Alexandria, he looked directly into the eyes of the man who would decide the course of the next few moments, giving him a slight grin.

  Jacob Deardon took a moment and then nodded. "Perhaps that would be best." He stood. "Mr. Jones, please escort Miss Bannister to my court."

  The clerk grabbed the files from the table, shoved them into his valise and, in another heartbeat, moved to take the girl's arm.

  "Wait! I didn't mean—no, there is no need…"

  The men ignored Alexandria's sputtering words as she was half dragged back through the door she had entered.

  "I suppose you know what you are doing?" Judge Deardon asked, breaking into a knowing smile the moment the door closed behind them. "I was led to believe she had a few more months and was expecting an offer to go into service. Peter informed me that you were fulfilling some sort of promise?"

  "Yes," Max acknowledged. "One I've been attempting to fulfill for a very long time. I promise you, I have no intention of doing anything but providing for this woman for the rest of her life. I'm asking you to trust me, to give me some leeway, to follow my lead. Jacob, I swear to you I have nothing but the very best intentions."

  With a nod, Jacob turned and the three men left the room, stepped across the hall and entered the courtroom, the large, heavy door shutting them inside.

  The judge moved across the room, mounted the steps and settled into his chair. He was elevated above the others, his face instantly morphing into an expression far sterner than the one he'd shown before.

  "Mr. Jones, please escort Miss Bannister to the stand."

  The clerk led Alexandria to the enclosed box where she would stand to give her answers. Max was not surprised to see the girl straightening her shoulders the moment her arm was released. He also didn't miss her quick glances around the room, not at the furnishings, but at the doors and windows.

  Stepping forward, he moved to stand a few feet from the box, ready to move instantly if the small woman decided to attempt to flee. He was pleased to see Peter moving into position on her other side.

  Max's voice wasn't loud, and yet she gave a small jump when he resumed the proceedings. "I believe we were waiting for your excuse for lying about your age, Miss Bannister."

  "I didn't lie!"

  "Before we continue, I wish to remind you that you are now in a court of law. The penalty for perjury is, I assure you, quite intense."

  "I don't respond well to threats."

  "Oh, I promise it is no threat, Miss Bannister." Max shook his head, as if disappointed in her lack of understanding. "Let me make it easier for the court. Your birthday is the first of January, isn't that correct, Miss Bannister?" He watched as her face turned to him, her eyes widening and her mouth forming a pretty little 'O'.

  "How... how did you know?" she whispered.

  "More important is why you've not informed anyone that you turned eighteen months ago." He wasn't surprised when her cheeks colored and she dropped her eyes from his. "Answer the question, Alexandria."

  If she was surprised he addressed her informally, she hid it well. "What does my answering matter? You seem to know everything."

  Max had no difficulty beginning her lessons. "You'll be surprised at what I know, but that's irrelevant. You've been asked to explain your dishonestly. I suggest you do so now." He waited as she seemed to struggle to decide between defiance and obedience.

  "I-I didn't want to-to leave..."

  Jacob Deardon had been listening intently. Shaking his head, he looked at Max. "Well, this changes things. The girl has no references and it appears her character is in question. Are you sure you wish to take the chance of giving her a position before she has been given an opportunity to prove her abilities?"

  Max grinned. "I'm sure she can learn what she needs to please me. As for her character, I'm willing to give her the benefit of the doubt. Of course, I will require confirmation of her chastity. My plans would change if she is already ripe with another's child."

  "What! How dare you question my—"

  "Hush, Miss Bannister," Max admonished. "Your own lies give the Judge cause to question your word."

  Alexandria's eyes flashed as if a storm raged behind them. "I do not lie!"

  "I'll not ask you to hush again, young lady. We all know that in itself is a falsehood. You are treading very close to perjury, Miss Bannister. You will remain silent while your future is considered." Max kept his eyes locked onto hers, the silence stretching until she tore her gaze away, her head lowering. He could see her hands trembling, and feared she could well tear a hole in her cloak with the tightness of her grip.

  Jacob spoke from his position of power. "I'm quite sure an examination can be arranged. I'll need to ask the Muellers if they will take the girl back until such time as a
doctor is found."

  Max shook his head, as if pondering the offer. "I would hate to inconvenience the court, your Honor. After all, it has been quite generous in continued support when it was not the responsibility of the citizens—since Miss Bannister is of her majority." He ignored Alexandria's huff. "Your Honor, I believe you are familiar with Miss Eleanor Summers and the special school she runs?" Seeing the Judge's eyes widen and shift to the girl before moving back to his own, Max smiled. "I'm sure Eleanor will be happy to provide the proper housing, as well as arrange for the examination. Miss Bannister will also benefit from the school's curriculum until such time as I'm convinced she's learned the meaning of obedience."

  Alexandria's eyes were no longer the only part of her protesting. She gripped the edge of the box, leaning forward, her glare visible to all. "I will not be placed into some ridiculous finishing school, and I will sure as hell not agree to an exam!"

  "Your agreement is not necessary," Max said calmly, taking another step forward until he was standing directly in front of her. "As your future husband, it is I who will make the arrangements I see fit."

  "Husband? Bloody hell! I'm a grown woman. I won't marry you!" Alexandria said loudly. "I don't even know you! Who the bloo—"

  The Judge had given Max freedom to lead the discussion but at her vulgarity he slapped his gavel onto the bench, the loud crack shocking the woman into silence. "Silence! You'll be quiet, child. You have no say in this matter." Turning his head, he addressed Max. "Yes, I know of Eleanor and of the success of her school. However, I would be remiss if I didn't caution you. Not every woman is capable of, shall we say, accepting a life that requires such specific traits. If her behavior is any indication, you might well regret your decision. How can you be sure that Miss Bannister possesses the qualities you seek?"

  "I just know," Max said unequivocally. "I have absolutely no doubt that this girl is the one I've been seeking."