Miss Summers' School (Lessons in Submission Book 1)

by Maggie Ryan

"Are Janey and Claudia's rooms upstairs?"

  "No, actually, they are just down the hall from yours." Juliette had begun to undress her as they spoke. "Your sisters are going to the nursery, Alexandria. That is on the fourth floor." She stopped speaking as she removed Alexandria's shoes and stockings, leaving the girl in her chemise and drawers.

  "Girls who are performing a day of penance spend it with their bottoms exposed, as you've noticed, and they sleep in the nursery. It is to help them recognize the privileges they've chosen to lose with their naughtiness. No more questions now, you need to make your entries into your journal."

  She followed the woman to the small desk where her book lay waiting. Juliette pulled out the chair. "Push your drawers to your ankles, Alexandria."

  "What? Why?" she sputtered.

  "First because you were instructed to do so, and secondly because all entries are made thusly. Sitting on a bare arse with your drawers dangling at your feet has proven quite an effective tool to help naughty girls remember why their bottoms were bared for discipline."

  With trembling hands, Alexandria did so, baring her own bottom for the first time. Her nanny's words proved true as she felt an immense sense of shame wash over her as she sat on the chair, white cloth bunched around each ankle. It was a very unpleasant sensation as she discovered the chair cushion was not soft. It was scratchy and bumpy, making her bottom begin to itch. No matter how much she tried to sit still, it was impossible, and she squirmed as she made the first entries into the burgundy covered book.

  Juliette read them after Alexandria said she had finished. "You have very nice penmanship. This is very well written. However, you must also indicate which implement was used on your bottom with each spanking. Go ahead and make the notation at the end, here."

  Alexandria made the list, noting she'd been spanked by her nanny's hand, her Papa's hand, a paddle, and a tawse. Just looking at the list made her feel ashamed of herself. Closing the book, she said she was finished and jumped gratefully from the chair, bending immediately to pull up her drawers.

  "No, Alexandria, you don't get down without permission, nor do you cover up without being instructed to do so. Back up now, please."

  Moaning, she released her drawers and climbed awkwardly back onto the chair. Juliette opened the book and read the list; signing her name at the bottom. Tapping the page, she indicated that if a demerit had been earned, Alexandria would mark it down at the bottom of the page. Closing the book, she helped her charge from the chair, not bending to pull up Alexandria's drawers or giving permission for the girl to do so herself.

  Another lesson was learned as her nanny explained that additional penalties were paid for what was considered 'the need for excessive correction'. An evening spanking was given for any count over five.

  "How many implements did you list?" Juliette asked as she stood with her arms crossed, looking down at her charge.

  "Three?" Alexandria answered as if unsure.

  "And how many spankings?"

  "Um, five?"

  "That isn't correct. Let's review, shall we?" Juliette uncrossed her arms and held out her hand. "I spanked you twice with my hand this morning." She lifted two fingers. "Your Papa spanked you with his hand during your exam." A third finger lifted. "Then, Alexandria, he paddled you." A fourth finger joined the others.

  Alexandria felt her stomach clutching as she listened, and watched as a thumb joined the fingers to include the hand spanking she'd received before her nap. Mathematics might not be her best skill, but she knew how to count. As Juliette's second hand lifted, the skin of Alexandria's bottom began to crawl.

  "Finally, I gave you a tawsing for striking me and throwing a tantrum when I was dressing you for dinner." The first finger of her second hand gave the final total. "How many fingers do you see?"

  "Si-six."

  "Correct, little one, and since six is more than five, you have earned yourself a bedtime spanking. Your excessive naughtiness throughout your day earns you a hot bottom before you retire. Go get your hairbrush and bring it to me."

  With shuffling steps, Alexandria walked to the washstand, picked up her brush and returned to hand it to her.

  "Go to the end of your bed and bend over it, arms out in front of you."

  Alexandria's bottom was indeed hot by the time her drawers were pulled up, her gown pulled on and she was tucked between the sheets. With every splat of the brush, she'd been torn between the past and the present. The sound as the brush landed was distinct, and was one from her childhood—not only had she heard the echo of the brush in her own small bedroom, she'd heard it on many nights behind the thin door of her parents' room as her mother cried out her apologies.

  In this room, even as she had wailed and kicked, making promises to behave, she heard other cries. The faint cries from her new sisters didn't ease the pain of her spanking, but she still found a little comfort in knowing she wasn't alone in her misery.

  With the closing of her door, she turned onto her side, a small hand moving to rub against a hot cheek. The rubbing helped relieve the burn and her hand continued to slide across her skin. Suddenly she was no longer thinking about her own hand, or even her nanny's. Instead, she was thinking about Lord Hollister's hand—not covering her cheeks one swat at a time, but stroking her softly, his fingers replacing those of the doctor that had slid between her legs to stroke along her slit. Her eyes closed as she remembered the sensation of his fingers, her hand sliding between her thighs. She gave a soft moan as her fingers moved past her curls and found the lips of her sex slick. Quivering, she gasped as a shot of electricity flooded through her when her fingertip found the hard nubbin.

  Her touch was tentative, gentle and had her issuing soft sounds she'd never issued before and yet instinctively knew they were ones of some deep need. The soft sounds joined with those of her past, as they were the same ones heard through the thin walls in her childhood home. They had been sounds that let her know that punishment was over, her mother chastised. As she'd grown, she'd realized the sounds were those of comfort given as her parents made love. Another finger joined the first, the two sliding faster, her blood racing and her breathing growing labored. A noise in the hall had her hand jerking from her clothing, her face heating. With her eyes on the door, the spankings she'd received for attempting to cover herself replayed in her mind. What would she receive if found with her hand between her legs?

  Chapter Eleven

  Alexandria's memory of her bedtime paddling allowed her to not make a single complaint as she was awakened, taken to the potty pot, wiped clean and then dressed in her school uniform. Of course, the fact that her bottom was still tender helped as well. Seeing Claudia and Janey and not their bare backsides had her smiling and glad that her new friends' punishment seemed to have ended. It took her a few minutes to realize that the atmosphere appeared a bit tense, though no student was pulled from her chair to be bent over her chair.

  When the meal was over, she followed the others into the back parlor again. This time, there was no talking, giggling, and no one was moving towards the library or laying out a game to play. Miss Summers entered with a large tome in her hand, taking a seat on a large armchair by the fireplace. A nanny Alexandria hadn't seen before placed a basket on a small table to the right of the chair before moving to sit on a settee.

  Alexandria wanted to ask what was going to happen and yet the somber atmosphere had her remaining quiet, her hands twisting in her skirts as she sat on one of the cushions laid out on the floor before the headmistress. Miss Summers opened the book and looked around the room.

  "Nanette, you'll be first today."

  Nanette jumped from her cushion, walked to stand in front of the headmistress, and proudly proclaimed she hadn't earned a single bedtime spanking or any demerits.

  "That's very good, I'm sure your Papa will be very happy."

  Alexandria watched as a white ribbon was taken from the basket and tied around the girl's wrist. Turning away from Miss Summers, Nanette l
ooked over at the four girls seated together and made a face. Alexandria expected her to be chastised but realized that only a few nannies were in the room, and none had seen the ugly look.

  Penny was next to be called. "I received two bedtime spankings but no demerits, Ma'am."

  "That is much better than last time." Marking something down in the book, she turned, took a white ribbon out of the basket and, when Penny held out her arm, tied it around her wrist. "Penny, I suggest you remember that three bedtime spankings will earn you a demerit." Penny nodded and returned to her seat, giving Alexandria a smile.

  Alexandria was called and, following the examples of her sisters, went to stand before Eleanor. "Um, I received one bedtime spanking but no demerits, Ma'am."

  "I'm happy to hear you earned no demerits, but hoped to hear a better report. Already receiving a bedtime spanking and being with us for only a day is not a pattern you'll want to continue."

  "Yes, Ma'am." Returning to her seat, a white ribbon around her wrist, she wondered what the ribbons were supposed to signify.

  The next two girls, Rachel and Suzette, admitted to have earned a demerit and returned to their seats with pink ribbons. As the girls were called one after another, returning with ribbons, Alexandria realized that the color changed with the confessions. A yellow ribbon was given to a girl who had two demerits, a blue one given to two girls who had three. Finally, Claudia was in front of Miss Summers.

  "I-I received three bedtime spankings, a full day of penance, and... and four demerits."

  "Claudia, I am very disappointed in you. You've been with us long enough to understand that you are considered a role model for your sisters. I fully expect your behavior to dramatically improve this week."

  "Yes, Ma'am," Claudia said softly, and Alexandria could see that her hand was shaking as a purple ribbon was tied around her wrist.

  Janey made her confession, admitting she had marked five demerits into her journal.

  "I'm very sorry, Miss Summers," she said softly.

  "I know, little one," Eleanor stated as she tied a red ribbon around her wrist. "You can show your sisters and me just how sorry you are with your better behavior, starting at this moment."

  Once Janey returned to her cushion, Alexandria reached over and gave her hand a squeeze. Though still ignorant of the significance of wearing the ribbons, she knew that any colors other than white—and perhaps pink—were making her sisters uncomfortable. Miss Summers closed the book and stood.

  "We'll be leaving for services in ten minutes."

  After donning a dark blue cloak which was a great deal warmer than the one she had worn only a few days earlier, Alexandria and her sisters, accompanied by a few nannies and Miss Summers, boarded an Omnibus that was waiting outside.

  As it began to roll down the cobblestone streets, she looked out of the window to see the school building for the first time. Light gray boards and bright white trim gave it an airy appearance. A wide porch ran the length of the front. Ceramic pots overflowing with ivy were set about the porch. Large trees surrounded the lot, their branches only now beginning to bud, but when fully in leaf, they'd form a canopy around the property. Mrs. Yardley had mentioned a garden that Alexandria decided must be behind the house, behind the hedges that formed a natural fence. It didn't really look like any school she'd ever attended. It looked like a very nice home that offered shelter and comfort to its residents.

  Alexandria had always found church services comforting to her soul. However, from her place in the last pew, she was feeling far more guilt than comfort with the Pastor preaching very loudly about obedience and discipline. Her face flushed, thinking comfort might not be the proper word, especially if one were deemed naughty. Turning her head slightly, she saw that every girl in her row had their eyes glued to the front, their hands clasped on their laps and their ankles crossed. They all stood as one to sing the hymns and bowed their heads when the prayers were said. She saw a few young women from elsewhere in the congregation walk to the front, all looking extremely uneasy. The Pastor led them through a door at the side of the church and once it closed, the congregation began to file out of the sanctuary.

  Though she had questions, Alexandria was hesitant to speak as the others were remaining quiet. The silence continued until they had stepped from the conveyance and reentered the house. Her unease grew as cloaks were removed and she followed her sisters into the dining room.

  "Isn't it too early to eat lunch?" she asked softly, as Juliette ladled soup into her bowl.

  "There is a great deal to attend to this afternoon. Luncheon and dinner are served earlier than on other days."

  There was very little conversation at the table. No giggles rang out to lighten the atmosphere but, thankfully, no student was taken from their chair to be chastised for their manners either. As she was led upstairs, Alexandria was actually looking forward to crawling into her bed; if only to ponder what the rest of the day would bring.

  "Nanny Jenkins?" she asked, after they entered her room. "Why is everyone so quiet?"

  Juliette didn't answer immediately. Instead she took Alexandria's hand and led her towards the chair. Taking a seat, she patted the ottoman and when Alexandria sank onto it, she took her hand. "Sundays are a day of reflection. This is the day where you and your sisters must face the consequences of the choices you made during the past week."

  "But don't we face those consequences when... when we are spanked?"

  "Yes, but on Sunday you make a confession to Miss Summers, just as you did this morning." She reached down and drew her finger along the white ribbon. "Ribbons are given to each girl so that even if she is still trying to deny her disobedience, she has a visual reminder to help her remember that she alone is responsible for what is going to happen during her atonement."

  "Do the different colors have anything to do with that... that atonement? The colors changed with the different number of demerits confessed. Is that right?"

  Juliette nodded. "Yes, and different levels of atonement reflect those demerits. You need not worry today, Alexandria. White ribbons are the lowest level. You will only make a small atonement. Just know this, if you earn even one demerit, you will receive a pink ribbon, and, Alexandria, each demerit demands an atonement of two strokes of the cane."

  Alexandria didn't know what to say or how to react. It was as if some part of her had already known it had to be something like what Juliette was describing. It had only taken her one day in the school and one sermon from their pastor to realize that obedience was the true focus of any lessons learned.

  "Atonement is meant to help you, Alexandria. When you go to bed tonight, you'll know your slate is wiped clean, all past misbehaviors forgiven, and it's up to you what atonement will be required each week. Come now, we must get you prepared."

  Alexandria stood obediently as her uniform was removed. When her chemise was untied and slipped off, she managed not to lift her hands. Her shoes and stockings were removed and her expectations of preparing for a nap were further challenged when her nanny reached up and pulled her drawers to her ankles, instructing her to step out. She was given a soft reminder not to cover herself when her hand drifted from her side. Juliette left her long enough to go to the wardrobe and return, carrying a piece of clothing Alexandria hadn't yet seen.

  "This is your Atonement gown," she explained as she held it open, instructing her charge to slip her arms into the sleeves.

  Yards and yards of soft, gauzy material, the same fabric that covered the partition in the exam room, floated about her small frame. Instead of buttons on the bodice, the gown was tied with ribbons. Like with her chemise, a bow was tied between her breasts, but two others were tied as well—one beneath her breasts and a third at her waist. The only thing that concealed her body beneath her navel was the voluminous amount of fabric. Alexandria quivered as she realized that not only was the front of the gown open, the back opened at her waist, soft panels draping across her bottom and legs. While the gown covered her from h
er neck to her feet and long sleeves covered her arms, she felt naked.

  Looking across the room at her reflection, she gasped at the image. Instead of Alexandria Bannister, a girl who had never considered her appearance beyond the basic attention required to appear presentable, she saw what she imagined could be one of the virgins being prepared for sacrifice in the books she devoured. The pure white gown, the simplicity of the design, combined with the knowledge of how easily exposed she could be with a simple parting of the panels, had her face heating. She felt her nipples pucker, stimulated by the brush of the soft fabric across them. Warmth flowed through her to settle between her thighs. She was afraid to take a step, fearing the gown would gape open to display the curls of her mons in the front, her buttocks in the back.

  Her hair was freed of its braids and brushed. The white ribbon around her wrist was untied and used to secure the weight of her hair as it was gathered and tied at the nape of her neck. Once she was barefoot and wearing nothing but the gown, her hand was taken and conflicting emotions kept her silent. The child inside began to worry about being led to receive punishment for being naughty. The budding woman she truly was wished she was being led to her Papa, wanting to be held in his arms instead.

  The nine other girls were gathered at the foot of the stairs. Walking down the last few steps, Alexandria realized that though girls were blonde, brunette, or had hair of raven black, the only colors that seemed to mar the white below her were those of the ribbons around each girl's hair. Her eyes instantly found the red ribbon and even with the girl's back to her, she knew its owner was Janey.

  Alexandria was led to her place as the girls were arranged in the order they'd received their ribbons. Nanny Margaret stepped in front of Nanette to lead the line of girls through the house, their bare feet making hardly a sound. Alexandria blushed, realizing she was not truly watching Penny to follow her to their destination, she was watching to see if her bottom was visible with the steps the girl took.