by Maggie Ryan
"Certainly, Sir, it shall be my pleasure. I shall tend to both this evening upon my return home," Reed assured Lucas.
Lucas had seen the longing and emotions play across Reed's face as the man's eyes roved over Lucille's body. Lucas pulled her a bit closer to him, his face stoic, but his intention of protecting the woman clear. Lucas understood the man was most certainly not pleased but would do as expected.
Reed felt the tension emanating from the huge man and understood Lucas was well aware of his own thoughts. Stepping back, the pastor had the grace to flush slightly. He saw Lucas nod his approval as the man distanced himself from the couple.
"We shall speak tomorrow, then. Now, if you'll excuse us, I believe there are others wishing to extend their congratulations." Lucas turned, and he and Lucy walked away and were soon accepting best wishes from several people.
"Thank you, Lucas," she said softly. "He scares me," she confessed and realized that it was very true. "He is an awful man."
"Lucy, you need not be afraid. I will not let anyone hurt you," he promised, and she felt the tension leave her at his words. She nodded, and her heart skipped a beat as he cupped her cheek and stroked her skin with his finger. He bent his head towards her, and she closed her eyes, knowing he was going to kiss her again. Instead of feeling his lips press to hers, she felt his breath as he spoke very softly.
"Despite your opinion, Pastor Reed is a man of authority, Kitten," Lucas said, knowing she needed to be reminded that she was to be respectful to any adult with which she might come into contact. Lucy's eyes flew open in surprise at his words. "You are not to refer to him with disrespect....”
"But he just wants to spank..." she said, her eyes widening in disbelief that he was defending the man. She saw him shake his head as he bent down to speak quietly.
"Lucy, do not interrupt me again," he warned firmly. She swallowed hard, memories of what happened the last time she had interrupted her guardian flowing through her. She stiffened in his arms and would have stepped away if he had allowed it. Lucas simply tightened his hold. "Pastor Reed is a respected leader of the church, young lady, and deserves that respect." He saw her shaking her head and continued. "He may not be the sort of man that you wish, Lucy, but you will show him the respect his position deserves." He saw her eyes darken as her anger grew. He knew that this moment would define all the coming ones.
"Know this, little one: you will learn that he is not the only man capable of lifting your skirts to bare your bottom and turn it a glowing, hot red." Lucas watched as her violet eyes widened even further, her complexion turning a deeper shade of scarlet as embarrassment burned across her cheeks. He cupped her burning face between his hands, not allowing her eyes to stray from his. "Engagement does not remove the need of corporal discipline, Lucille; it only passes the authority from your guardian's hand to my own."
Though everything inside her had demanded she choose Lucas, she felt herself trembling with the realization of what that choice would demand of her every day for the rest of her life. She flushed as she remembered his hand slapping against her bottom in the library. At this moment, she understood her husband-to-be had just informed her that he would not ever hesitate to spank her, just as Edward had since her arrival at Wintercrest. Lucas watched her emotions move across her face and gentled his voice.
"Kitten, you have not yet earned a spanking, but I fear you are extremely close to having your bottom heated. Let's not allow Pastor Reed to taint our evening," he said, his tone soft but his words demonstrating his total authority and intent.
Lucy was aware of Edward standing with Louisa, both silent as if waiting for the drama to come to its conclusion. She raised her eyes and saw her sister standing in her husband's arms, her face showing her concern for her twin. She felt Edward's eyes bore into her own as his face reflected his disapproval of her behavior. She knew that if he had been the one standing before her, her bottom would already be making the apology for her behavior, and her color heightened even further.
"I'm ... I'm sorry," she said, her voice quiet and her lips trembling. "I ... I didn't mean to be disrespectful to Pastor Reed and ... and to you, Lucas. Thank you for not ... not..." she stopped, unable to complete her sentence as her face burned and her eyes shone with unshed tears.
Lucas nodded, his face softening as she made her apology. "That's a good girl," he said and brushed his lips across her own. "Come, Kitten, we need to pay our respects to our host."
She nodded as she attempted to regain her composure, slipping her hand once more into his. "Yes, Sir," she said softly, and Lucas smiled.
It would be the first of thousands of times his little one would answer in such a manner. They walked across the room, the conversation about Pastor Reed put aside as they celebrated their engagement. They spoke with Lord Eddington, who gave Lucy a kiss and declared that he believed she was a very lucky little girl for choosing a man who seemed extremely capable of keeping her in line. Lucy had flushed but nodded and thanked him and Lady Eddington for such a lovely evening. George smiled at the lovely little woman. Her shy smile and the color of her cheeks acknowledged she was an innocent, and has much more to learn. He thought back to the day he wed his own wife and found nothing but pleasant memories. Through all the years of his marriage, he had found a great contentment in the education of his wife. Lucas reminded him of himself when he had first begun the training of his own little one. He put his arm around the woman he had loved for decades and only hoped that the young couple would also discover such contentment. Lucas and Lucy accepted congratulations from several other well-wishers. As Lucy was kissed again and again, she realized another thing of importance.
Her life of the past several months had been lived surrounded by people of society that shared in this unusual lifestyle. This ball had not been one where every elite member of society was invited. The attendees might be titled, the men holding positions of respect, yet every woman here lived a special life. These couples, sipping wine and champagne from crystal flutes, nibbling on delicious treats, dressed in elegant clothing, would transform with the coming day. Women dressed in beautiful gowns soon would be donning childish dresses Beneath those dresses they would wear lacy drawers, split-crotch drawers, or even nappies that could be quickly drawn down to trembling knees, or pulled apart to bare their bottoms, in preparation of being spanked, paddled, strapped or worse. They would be reminded that, though they had been allowed a magical evening, they were once again subject to strict discipline and expected submission. She trembled as she acknowledged that her life as she knew it was now over. She had declared her choice openly, and everyone accepted the fact that she was pledging not only her life but also her willing submission and obedience to Lord Lucas Huntington. Lucas kept her close to his side, her hand always held firmly, yet tenderly, within his own. When Edward approached and suggested they make their departure, Lucy found she agreed. She was suddenly extremely tired and saw Louisa cover her own yawn with one hand.
The couples walked down the same stairs that earlier that evening they had ascended, though their status had changed. From this point forward, Lucas would always be the man escorting Lucy, for the rest of her life.
"Your pumpkin awaits," Edward teased as he held open the door to the carriage and turned to bow with a flourish to his wife. Both girls giggled, remembering their earlier conversation about the fairy tales they both enjoyed.
"Thank you, my Prince," Louisa said as her husband helped her into the carriage. Lucy was helped by Lucas and settled herself onto the seat. She smiled at her sister and gave a contented sigh. The girls didn't speak, but both understood that the fairytale they lived might at this moment resemble Cinderella's but was immensely different.
Lucas put his arm around her small frame as he drew her closer to his side, still marveling over his incredible fortune. He had prayed for this ending and knew it was truly just the beginning. He bent and pressed his lips against the top of her head. Lucy smiled at the loving gesture and closed he
r eyes in contentment. She was where she belonged, and tomorrow would take care of itself.
By the time the carriage arrived at Wintercrest Manor, both girls were sound asleep. Edward and Lucas had been speaking quietly.
"You realize your little one is living in a dream world, Lucas," Edward said quietly. "She has come a very long way from the day she entered my life, but she has no true knowledge of what her role as your wife and the little one will entail."
Lucas nodded as he glanced down at the sleeping girl. "She'll learn, Edward," he said confidently. "She at least has had some time to grow accustomed to the lifestyle and has the gift of her sister as an example. I am not a fool, Edward. I'm well aware that the battles will be difficult. I do assure you, though that I will dedicate my life to her."
Edward knew that his friend spoke the truth. He grinned, knowing that, of the two girls, Lucas had fallen in love with a little hellcat, instead of the sweet little kitten he seemed to imagine her.
Lucas chuckled as he saw Edward's grin. "I'm made of tough stuff, Edward," he said, trailing his fingers down Lucy's cheek.
The men both smiled, watching as she gave a small sigh of contentment at his touch. "She's likely to scratch and claw, but I'm betting she'll purr soon enough."
As Henri opened the carriage door, Edward made a last comment. "See that she doesn't purr until the ring is on her finger, and her name on the license."
Lucas nodded and grinned, his thoughts going to a special item he had carried for weeks, hoping to one day be able to present it to Lucy. "Don't worry, Edward. We may be men who demand absolute submission and obedience, but we are both men of integrity. Your ward will remain a virgin until our wedding night."
Edward chuckled, knowing just how hard it would be for his dear friend to keep his promise and was extremely glad that he had no reason to deny his own needs.
The two men easily carried their small charges up the stairs to the door. It was promptly opened, and they stepped into the house. Mrs. Bremmer stood waiting in the hallway as Edward turned to speak quietly to Lucas.
"I will hold you to your word, Lucas," he said and then grinned. "Although if she manages to go long without giving you cause to bare and redden her bottom, I shall be surprised."
Lucas nodded. “Redden her bottom I shall no longer hesitate to do, Edward. That I can also promise you," Lucas said.
Nodding, Edward motioned Anna to precede them up the stairs. Anna said nothing but was intrigued with the quiet conversation. They all paused before Lucy's door.
"I'll take care of her, Sir," Anna said after opening the door. Lucas gave her a smile and walked into the room, placing the sleeping girl on her bed.
"She's to be my wife, Anna," Lucas said proudly.
Anna smiled but wasn't surprised after hearing the men speak. She had known this man since he was a babe and had always had faith that he would capture Lucy's heart. "Congratulations, Lucas," she said quietly and reached up to stroke his cheek. "You will make her a fine husband," she said, and then chuckled. "I warn you though, these little ones might be twins, but you, Sir, are taking on a sweet little hellion."
Lucas smiled and bent to kiss the housekeeper's cheek. "I know, Anna," he said sincerely. "I wouldn't have it any other way. If Edward isn't careful, I just might persuade you to come to Hunter's Ridge. I have a feeling our little one might need you."
Anna chuckled as she walked him to the door. "I'm needed here, Sir," she said and saw Edward smiling at her after shooting Lucas a warning glance. "I have no desire to leave Wintercrest. However, if you truly decide you need more help than you currently have, I'm sure we can work together to find a proper nanny. Now, scoot; I need to put your little one to bed and find my own. It is very late, and church comes early."
Anna shut the door behind Lucas and soon was coaxing Lucy to wake enough to allow her gown to be removed. As she turned the girl to unlace the tight corset, Anna knew the girl would have no need for that garment in her future wardrobe.
"I hear congratulations are in order, little one," Anna said as she began to remove the pins from Lucy's hair. "Lord Huntington is a good man; you made an excellent choice."
Lucy was incredibly sleepy but smiled. "I love him, Mrs. Bremmer," she said, the truth evident in her voice. "I will try to make him happy."
Anna smiled as she ran the brush through the girl's waist-length hair before plaiting it. She pulled a nightgown over Lucy's head and helped her climb between the sheets. "I know you will, Lucille," she said. "Your life changed the moment you made your choice."
Lucy smiled and nodded as she felt herself begin to drift into sleep. "I am ready," she whispered, her eyes closing.
Anna smiled and swept her own lips across Lucy's cheek. She knew the girl had no true idea of exactly how her life would begin to change. "I pray it is so, but I fear your bottom will have many lessons. Sweet dreams, little one."
Lucy's eyes opened and her brow furrowed at the woman's words. She again remembered that her very first introduction to her fiancé had been his hand smacking against her bottom. She felt her face flush at the memory and also remembered he had never apologized for the spanking. Instead, he had actually warned her a few times since that she should never question his intent to discipline her misbehavior. She again closed her eyes and buried her burning cheek in her pillow, realizing again just how close she had come to testing his words at the ball. She hadn't been spanked since that day but suddenly feared it would not be long before she discovered how Lucas' hand would feel slapping against her bare bottom instead of simply spanking her through her layers of clothing. Thinking about his hand caused her to shiver and her heart to pound. She would not think of discipline, could not allow her mind to travel there. However, she smiled softly and knew her dreams would be full of images of his huge yet tender hands roaming elsewhere across her body. Knowing she should be ashamed at her thoughts, she snuggled down in her bed and fell asleep with a naughty smile on her lips.
Chapter 2
Anna's words proved true as Lucy was awakened the next morning. Lucy buried her face in her pillow as Molly drew her curtains back to allow the harsh morning sun to light the room. "Congratulations, Miss Lucy," Molly said cheerfully as she crossed the room to the bed and attempted to pull the covers away. "I am so happy for you and Lord Huntington," Molly continued and then frowned when she realized her mistress was attempting to pull the covers from her hands. "Now Miss Lucy, come, you must get up and prepare yourself for the morning services," Molly said as she forcefully uncovered Lucy.
Lucy groaned, but managed to push herself into a sitting position. "I'm just so tired, Molly." Lucy moaned as she watched her servant hustle about the room, gathering items to prepare Lucy for her day. "I don't see why we can't skip today's services; I feel as if I haven't gotten any sleep at all," Lucy complained.
Molly giggled as she helped Lucy from the bed and led her into the adjacent water closet. "I know you are tired, Miss," Molly said as she quickly stripped the nightgown from her mistress. "I waited a bit longer to awaken you, Miss Lucy, but I fear we must hurry now. The Lords are already at the table, and I fear trouble if we don't have you join them as quickly as possible."
The mention of trouble reminded Lucy of spankings, and she didn't protest as her drawers were discarded and she was helped into the tub. It had evidently been filled as she slept, and she was grateful for its fragrant warmth. Molly quickly piled Lucy's hair up onto the top of her head and handed her a sponge and a bar of soap.
"Do you wish me to bathe you, Miss?" Molly asked, when Lucy simply held the items in her hands as if she had no memory of their intended use. Molly's words caused her to flush, and she quickly soaped the sponge and began to lather her arms.
"No, Molly, I am capable of bathing on my own," Lucy said, her face flushing as the servant stood at the side of the tub, her face showing her uncertainty that Lucy could or would properly cleanse herself. As Lucy moved the sponge over her arms, Molly finally nodded.
; "Very well, Miss," she said and turned to the door. "I shall prepare your clothing, but please hurry."
Lucy nodded and began to bathe in earnest when the girl left the room. By the time Molly returned with a large towel, Lucy was ready and stood, quickly climbing out of the tub and gratefully accepting the towel. She still had an extremely hard time being nude in front of anyone and blushed even hotter when Molly took over, quickly rubbing the towel over Lucy's glistening body until she was dry. Lucy kept the towel wrapped tightly around her, wishing Molly had remembered to bring her dressing gown into the room. She followed the servant back into the bedroom and smiled, seeing Molly had been busy as Lucy bathed. The bed had already been properly made, the pillows fluffed and placed at the head of the bed and her clothes lying on the smoothed quilt. Lucy's smile slid from her face as she took a closer look at the clothing.
"No...." she moaned and looked beseechingly at her maid. "This can't be correct ... those ... those look like Louisa's clothes," Lucy said, her voice shaking as her eyes returned to the dress laid out on the bed. Molly shook her head, though she understood her mistress' concern.
"Mrs. Bremmer gave me your clothing for today, Miss Lucy," Molly said in the way of explanation. "She will have the remainder of your new wardrobe in place by the time you return from church."
Lucy felt her eyes fill as she watched Molly move the dress aside to expose the childish white stockings and black slip-on shoes beneath the dress. Molly picked up the pair of white drawers that were lying on top of two petticoats and shook them out.
"Please, Miss Lucy," Molly said quietly as her eyes moved to the closed door of Lucy's bedroom. "Please don't make a fuss. Don't you remember what happened last time?"
